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 (known as the Key Management Enterprise (KME). Additionally, ISSP funds the AF operation of its AF KME, one of two Department of Defense (DoD) Tier 1 key distribution centers. 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 Communications Security (COMSEC) equipment protects information such as warfighter positions, mission planning, target strikes, commanders' orders, intelligence, force strength, and force readiness and 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 disclose 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) first tenet calling for an AF KME that allows for totally "man-out-of-the-loop" electronic crypto key distribution system from the generation of the key in the key processor all the way into the using End Crypto Unit (ECU). This eliminates the current key vulnerability of compromise/interruption by individuals transporting or loading the key. NSA's second tenet requires an inventory of cryptographic devices that are more robust, modular, scalable, capable, net-centric, and durable. This enables more effective and efficient performance including reduced inventory, expanded data rates, simplified upgrades, and ensured global information grid-compatibility. The FY 2017 funding request was reduced by $3.5 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, as these budget activities include development efforts in the AF KME 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, 2017
• Source ID: 0303140F_7_3600_PB_2017
• Change Summary Explanation: Reductions in FY15 funding due to higher Air Force priorities. Reductions in FY16 funding due to higher Air Force priorities. Reductions in FY17 funding due to higher Air Force priorities.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Autonomy
• C4I
• Cyber
• Energy and Power Technologies
• Human Systems
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Aerospace Craft
• Air Force
• Application Software
• Contracts
• Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Department Of Defense
• Ground Control Stations
• Information Assurance
• Information Systems
• National Security
• Software Development
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Vehicle Equipment

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics