DISA - Defense Information Systems Agency
11/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2024 12:26
DISA J-6 Cyber Awareness Forum spotlights user vigilance in securing the Pentagon’s network
DISA J-6 Cyber Awareness Forum spotlights user vigilance in securing the Pentagon's network
By Lex Barlowe, DISA J-6 Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Enterprise Directorate
November 12, 2024
DISA J-6 Vice Director Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cornell speaks with vendors during the DISA J-6 Cyber Awareness Forum. (DISA photo by JoAnne Sorrentino)
In a digital landscape where adversaries constantly evolve, the Defense Information Systems Agency J-6 Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Enterprise Directorate isn't just defending boundaries - it's reshaping them.
At the recent DISA J-6 Cyber Awareness Forum, hosted at the Pentagon, the agency showcased the latest in cyber defense tactics, innovative technologies and workforce strategies to strengthen the Department of Defense's digital shield.
The biannual forum featured presentations from both private sector and federal experts, technology exhibits and a career fair designed to foster government cyber talent.
DISA J-6 Vice Director Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cornell opened the forum with a call to action, underscoring the critical role of end users in fortifying cyberspace.
"Our adversaries are growing more sophisticated," said Cornell. "We can put all the tools out there that we want to detect threats and mitigate them, but users are our last line of defense."
His words echoed the forum's theme, Secure Cyberspace: Unleash Your Digital Armor!, highlighting proactive strategies for safeguarding data, protecting infrastructure and applying tactical intelligence to counter cyber threats.
"Big nodes are worthy of being attacked. Small dispersion is what we're looking for, not only for security but also to cover down on the threat," Voneida noted. This shift ensures that services can remain connected, even in a high-tech conflict, by distributing nodes across a wider area.
He also highlighted the importance of "agnostic transport," which involves leveraging a mix of terrestrial fiber, military and commercial SATCOM, and other mediums to maintain reliable communications.
Cornell emphasized DISA's commitment to advancing network security.
"We are investing a lot of money in modernizing, flattening and hardening the network," explained. "When Joint Service Provider was formed in 2017, the networks were merged to form what is today the JSP Network. We are shifting our network mindset from a boundary mindset to Zero Trust. Before we can get to Zero Trust, we have a lot to do so we can more effectively manage the network and get after problems when they arise."
In his address, Cornell also warned of increasingly sophisticated phishing tactics used by both nation-state and criminal actors. He described how they are getting better at masking their activities and creating links that look more legitimate.
"It's incumbent on our users to recognize that this is happening during these events. The most important role is you," he said, stressing the importance of user vigilance.
The general noted that the Pentagon remains one of the world's most targeted networks, with nearly 700 million security events occurring daily. The Joint Service Provider Network's inner and outer boundary defenses intercept hundreds of incoming threats every hour.
"It's not just about the tech; it's about the people and the workforce who make the effort to protect the network," Cornell stated. "At the end of the day, our users play an enormous role in helping to protect against these events."
The forum's message was clear: while advanced technology and strategic defenses are critical, the efforts of individuals - whether through reporting suspicious links or practicing secure habits - are the cornerstone of cybersecurity.
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