Information Systems Security Program

Abstract

The Information Systems Security Program (ISSP) Element provides cradle-to-grave research, development, acquisitions, supply, sustainment, depot maintenance, and demilitarization of the Air Force (AF) cryptographic and key distribution/management systems. Additionally, ISSP funds the AF operation of one of two Department of Defense (DoD) Tier 1 key distribution centers, and a special computer security program, designated FIRESTARTER. The AF and the DoD require the capability to secure, collect, process, store, and disseminate an uninterrupted flow of information, while denying an adversary the ability to intercept, collect, destroy, interpret, or manipulate our information flows. Secure communication allows the DoD to achieve and maintain decision superiority; the key to successful application of the military instrument of national power. AF COMSEC equipment protects information such as, warfighter positions, mission planning, target strikes, commanders' orders, intelligence, force strength, and force readiness. This COMSEC program ensures adversaries cannot interpret, manipulate, or destroy information. When an adversary is capable of interpretation, manipulation, or destruction of the information used by the warfighter, DoD military forces will suffer significant and/or devastating mission degradation that can result in loss of life and resources and/or cede information that could be used against the United States in a public forum. The overall focus of the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts within this program is to transform electronic key delivery and cryptographic devices to meet the next generation warfighting requirements. These efforts are driven by the National Security Agency's (NSA) tenets calling for (1) a totally "man-out-of-the-loop" electronic crypto key distribution system from the actual generation of the key in the key processor all the way into the using End Crypto Unit (ECU) (eliminates the current key vulnerability to compromise/interruption by individuals transporting or loading the key); and (2) an inventory of cryptographic devices that are more robust, modular, scalable, capable, net-centric, and durable (allows more effective and efficient performance including reduced inventory, expanded data rates, simplified upgrades, and ensured global information grid-compatibility). This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, as these budget activities include development efforts to upgrade systems currently fielded or have approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2015
• Source ID: 0303140F_7_3600_PB_2015
• Change Summary Explanation: Reductions in FY13 Other Adjustments was due to Sequestration. Congressional Directed Reductions in FY14: (-$3.9M)Concept Refinement and (-$21.407M) Program Decrease. There was also a Congressional Add (+$10M) for ASACoE in FY14. Reductions in FY15 funding due to higher Air Force priorities.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Cyber
• Energy and Power Technologies
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Algorithms
• Application Software
• Ballistic Missiles
• Contracts
• Control Systems
• Cryptography
• Cybersecurity
• Cyberspace Operations
• Information Assurance
• Information Systems
• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
• Network Protocols
• Secure Communications
• Security
• Security Protocols
• United States

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Microelectronics