DoD Official Sees Forthcoming Change in Cyber Culture

This was written by Michael W. Cheek on Thursday, June 24, 2010, 10:01.

Maj Gen Suzanna Vautrinot

The Department of Defense is on the verge of a change in its cyber culture, according to a senior Air Force official. During the recent Symantec Government Symposium 2010 in Washington, D.C., Air Force Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot told audience members DoD is approaching a major change in the way the department approaches and thinks about cybersecurity.

“It’s going to take change in the way we think about our cyber environment,” said Vautrinot, who currently serves as the director of plans and policy for U.S. Cyber Command. “It’s going to take change in how we operate and use processes, and it’s going to take change in the kinds of technologies that we bring to bear.”

Rather than cyber remain an administrative concern, it is vital it becomes central to a combatant commander’s strategic planning, Vautrinot said.

“If the mission is going to be conducted, [cybersecurity] is something you have to understand every bit as much as you understand where the tanker bridge is as you go across the ocean,” she said.

Cooperation between the various branches is also vital to enhancing cybersecurity, Vautrinot said. Threats should be disseminated as quickly as possible to ensure that the department is able to effectively protect itself.

“Everything we’re trying to do is unity of effort and synergy,” Vautrinot said.