Despite Hackers, DOD Retains Faith in Weapon Systems

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Despite Hackers, DOD Retains Faith in Weapon Systems 05/30/2013 01:29 PM CDT Despite Hackers, DOD Retains Faith in Weapon Systems By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 30, 2013 - The United States military has "complete faith that our systems are secure and reliable," a Pentagon spokesman said here today. The military is always concerned about cybersecurity and the chances of losing information to other nations, Army Col. Steve Warren said, but the department has invested a lot of money, time and expertise in combating this threat. In a meeting with reporters, Warren discussed alleged hacking that targeted U.S. military weapons systems, but he did not address what programs -- if any -- were exposed to cyber intrusions. "But we have absolute confidence in our systems," he added. "Suggestions that any of these intrusions have led to an erosion of our capabilities is incorrect." Further, the spokesman said, there is no fear in the department that intrusions like this are eroding the U.S. military lead over other nations. "Suggestions that our technological edge has eroded are incorrect," he said. Warren said the department has a program that companies can join to help deter and mitigate these attacks. The Defense Industrial Base Enhanced Cybersecurity Information-sharing Program helps companies and the Pentagon defend American secrets, said Air Force Lt. Col. Damien Pickart, a DOD spokesman specializing in cyber issues. The program has yielded successes in information sharing and in network defense, he said. "Any company in the defense industrial base can sign a classified framework agreement and voluntarily join this sharing program," Pickart said. "If the company experiences an intrusion or a cyberattack on their systems, they can voluntarily bring that to our attention." The company shares the signature of the intrusion and details associated with the attack. "We do our forensic analysis of that through the Defense Cybercrime Center," Pickart said. "Once we looked at what that is, we are able to develop measures that we can then share back to all the companies, and that can help mitigate against future attacks or intrusions from whoever was launching them." The program started with DOD as a pilot program a few years ago. Today, 85 companies -- about half of the defense industrial base -- participate in the program. The department and the companies share both classified and unclassified information. The Homeland Security Department has a similar program that took the lessons learned from the DOD effort and applied it throughout industry, Pickart said.  Related Sites: Special Report: Cybersecurity   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense