The cat’s out of the bag—or maybe not—on what may be the first DOD-wide computer security stand down. According to a report in Federal Computer Week, US Strategic Command plans on Nov. 29 to have all of DOD—headquarters, services, major commands, etc.—participate in a day devoted to information technology security. FCW picked up the news at a recent Washington-area AFCEA luncheon when Air Force Lt. Gen. Charles Croom, director of the Defense Information Systems and head of STRATCOM’s Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations spoke of the event. What exactly is entailed in this “stand down” is not clear. When FCW questioned Croom’s JTF-GNO, a spokesman said merely that “certain activities” would be employed “to strengthen network security.”
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.