Cyberspace underpins virtually every facet of society, supporting the economy, critical infrastructure, public safety and national security. However, the risks that accompany this capability pose the gravest security hazards of the 21st Century. In the face of such a formidable threat, the federal government is committed to improving its cyber infrastructure and is actively expanding partnerships with the private sector to augment our nation’s cybersecurity.

As evidenced by the standing up of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), in October, 2010, and the implementation of a formalized new framework for coordination between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the federal government has aggressively stepped up its efforts to address cyberspace as the newest domain of warfare. The Defense Department is currently working to finalize its cyber-warfare doctrine, which will further codify the view that cyber-warfare is as important a venue as the traditional air, sea, land or space.

U.S. Cyber Command is an armed forces sub-unified command subordinate to the U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM). General Keith Alexander, commander of Cyber Command, also serves as the director of the National Security Agency (NSA). As such, he operates under both U.S. Code Title 10 (military) and Title 50 (intelligence operations) governance. The dual-hat nature of General Alexander’s role highlights the complexities of the cyber mission as well as the challenges in formulating cohesive public policy.

Under the memorandum of agreement between DoD and DHS signed by Secretaries Gates and Napolitano last fall, the departments are better positioned than ever before to share information, expertise and capabilities. Protection of the government’s civilian “dot-gov” domain against both state and non-state actors remains the responsibility of Homeland Security, while the Defense Department is responsible for the military’s 15,000 separate computer networks under the “dot-mil” domain.  The “dot-com” and other private-sector domains are the responsibility of the private sector, with DHS help.

Opportunities for Engagement with the Federal Government

In efforts to protect our nation against emerging cyber-threats, the federal government has recognized that collaboration must occur not only within government, but also with the private sector and academia. Opportunities exist for highly capable companies and universities offering unique security solutions. These efforts include accelerated acquisition tracks for relevant cyber solutions.
 

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