A Navy Information Dominance Forces (NAVIDFOR) team leading the Fleet Cybersecurity Plan of Actions and Milestone (POA&M) team was recognized as Military/Civilian Cyber Professionals of the Month for outstanding performance and lasting contributions toward AFCEA’s mission of advancing science, technology, engineering and math, in partnership with government, military, industry and academia.
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association made the award to Mr. Ron Stites, Cmdr. Damian Blossey, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Mccaffrey and Mr. Dan Bollinger Nov. 12 at an event hosted by AFCEA in Norfolk, Virginia.
The award had special significance because it was presented by Rear Adm. Creighton, Chief of Naval Operations’ Chief of Staff for the CNO’s Task Force Cyber Awakening, on behalf of AFCEA. Creighton also provided the event’s keynote address.
Huge Team Effort
Under the leadership of Mr. Stites, this dynamic team continues to coordinate efforts among a diverse group of engaged stakeholders for specific actions to improve fleet cybersecurity within 12 months.
The team identifies fleet cybersecurity gaps and seams and works with stakeholders such as Fleet staffs, platform Type Commanders, SYSCOM Commanders and Program Executive Offices, the Center for Information Dominance, the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance (OPNAV N2/N6) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for C4I.
Working with these partners, they identified and are tracking to implementation concrete actions to improve the fleet cybersecurity posture. Their key focus areas are:
- Improving Fleet scanning and patching of software;
- Improving Fleet Host Based Security System (HBSS) performance;
- Registration and management of all programs of record and non-programs of record in the Vulnerability Remediation Asset Manager (VRAM);
- Creating a “1-stop-shop” for all operational and administrative orders;
- Creating a “1-stop shop” for all software patches; and
- Conducting periodic risk analyses considering, threats, vulnerability and consequences.
These initiatives required close collaboration with the Navy’s newly formed Task Force Cyber Awakening as well to ensure alignment with longer-term systemic solutions being put in place by that effort. The NAVIDFOR team briefs the two four-star Fleet Commanders monthly highlighting the completion of the cybersecurity POA&M efforts and pushing forth issues that need resolution at a higher level to ensure efforts stay on track to completion.
For more information about NAVIDFOR, visit http://www.navidfor.navy.mil/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USNavyInformationDominanceForces.