SECAF Briefing on Cybersecurity
The Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum held a meeting on cybersecurity and the implications for government contractors.
The event featured Michael Kushin, CTO of ManTech International Corporation, and Robert Giesler, VP for cyber programs at SAIC.
The two speakers focused on the implications of the CNCI on opportunities for contractors. Some of the key areas highlighted were the Einstein NextGeneration (commonly called Einstein 3), counterintelligence, cyber education, improving secure networks, and mitigating supply chain risk (particularly the potential of features being unknowingly added to software and hardware before delivery).
According to Kushin, money is flowing in many of these sectors, and there are plentiful opportunities for contractors. Another area of focus is the movement in Congress for federal data breach laws, which will provide opportunities, as well as burdens for companies if implemented.
Giesler highlighted the importance of accounting for the human element in cybersecurity. He advocated for investing security dollars into educating employees to help mitigate security breaches. Additionally, when working with government agencies, contractors should ask what specifically the agency wants to protect to better serve the client. Also, offensive and defensive measures should work in tandem to increase a companies ability to serve the government.
According to the speakers, the 2010 fiscal year will be an important year for the CNCI programs and how much funding remains devoted to cybersecurity programs.
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