AF Defensive Cyberspace Operations

Abstract

The Firestarter program provides new/improved capabilities and technical transition opportunities for Cyber Defense and Information Assurance (IA) technologies and tools needed to defend Air Force Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) systems from Cyber-attacks, while ensuring recovery in the event of an attack. Also provides defensive Cyber Command and Control/Situational Awareness (C2/SA), which enables cyber commanders to monitor Air Force network status and execute courses of action to mitigate threats. The emphasis of the program is directed toward defensive cyberspace capabilities; computer and network systems security; damage assessment and recovery; cyber threat recognition, attribution, and mitigation; and active response methodologies in response to evolving threats and changes to cyber environment. These areas of emphasis are realized through research and development, test and acquisition in the areas of: proactive defense, defensive counter cyberspace, cyberspace intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance & situational awareness, persistent network operations, as well as decision support, recovery, and digital forensics. Current Air Force systems, such as the AFNET NIPRNet Gateways, SIPRNet Modernization program, and Host Based Security System leverage this technology to meet their information assurance and defensive cyberspace needs/requirements. This program utilizes cyber and IA technology investments by US Cyber Command, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Security Agency (NSA), Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to jump-start its development of solutions to existing Air Force cyber and IA requirements. This program supports AF Space Commands Cyberspace strategic direction in support of Cyber Defense which provides capabilities to 24th AF, as AF component to Cyber Command (CYBERCOM)), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and other services to ensure Global Information Grid (GIG) cyber and IA requirements are being met. Activities performed include those designed to identify, analyze, test, rapidly acquire, and integrate emerging IA and cyber technology and defensive cyberspace weapons systems and capabilities into all regions of the GIG - terrestrial, airborne, and space systems. Activities include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, because it addresses the development and transition of information security, protection, and defensive capabilities and technologies.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Source ID
0208088F_7_3600_PB_2014
Change Summary Explanation
In FY2014, Information Systems Security Program 667820 RDTE: Firestarter efforts transferred to PE 0208088F, AF Defensive Cyberspace Operations, 667820, Computer Security RDTE: Firestarter, in order to align defensive cyber programs and projects.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Command And Control
  • Computer Networks
  • Cyber Defense Techniques
  • Cyber Threats
  • Cyberattacks
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyberspace
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Homeland Security
  • Information Assurance
  • Information Systems
  • Intelligence Community (United States)
  • Networks
  • Program Management
  • Security

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Cybersecurity.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space

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