Computer Security RDT&E: Firestarter

Abstract

The Firestarter program provides technical transition opportunities for research in the area of Information Assurance (IA) technologies and tools needed to defend Air Force Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) systems from computer network attacks, and ensure recovery in the event of an attack. The emphasis of the program is directed toward 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 in the areas of: cyberspace surveillance; cyber indications and warning (CI&W); high-speed and host-based network intrusion detection; fusion and correlation of cyber intelligence; decision support; recovery; digital forensics; active response, etc. Current Air Force systems, such as the Combat Information Transport System/Base Information Protection (CITS/BIP) leverage this technology to meet their information assurance needs/requirements. Additionally, this program utilizes IA and cyber technology investments by 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 IA and cyber requirements. This program coordinates and cooperates with the JTF-GNO, STRATCOM, DISA, NSA and other services to ensure Global Information Grid (GIG) IA requirements are being met. Activities performed include those designed to identify, analyze, test, rapidly acquire, and integrate emerging IA and cyber technology into all regions of the GIG - terrestrial, airborne, and space systems. Activities also 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 this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
677820_0303140F_7_3600_PB_2012

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.

Technology Areas

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

Related Documents