23 Jun 16. UK MoD develops new cyber test for military personnel. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has developed a new cyber test, under a partnership with American technology company IBM. The Defence Cyber Aptitude Test (DCAT) has the ability to identify military personnel skilled in cyber work. The DCAT, which comprises several sections, will test an individual’s abilities across a range of cognitive challenges, prior to measuring technical knowledge. The MoD said that the test improves the existing selection measures for personnel already serving, who hope to get posted to a cyber unit in the future.
Project lead for cyber test major Harry Porteous said: “It’s a useful tool for service career and branch managers to help identify individuals with natural talent and the right skills to succeed at the cutting edge of defence cyber operations.”
The test is being launched across the UK defence industry for use at the early stages of technical training and service careers. Earlier in 2013, the MoD formed Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP) to create a joint response to the cyber threat. The DCPP aims at improving cyber defence through the MoD’s supply chain while preserving existing investment in cyber security measures in an effort to protect the nation’s military capability. This joint MoD/industry initiative focuses on information sharing, measurements and standards, and supply chain awareness. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Jun 16. DRS Technologies Inc., a Leonardo-Finmeccanica Company, announced today that its United Kingdom business unit achieved a Cyber Essentials certification, a mandate by the Ministry of Defence to ensure that defence contractors are able to protect sensitive information against cyber threats. The certification reflects a set of measures that ensure protection against basic cyber threats on the Internet. The Ministry of Defence demands this new accreditation in all exchanges of sensitive information and requires annual renewal. The certification confirms that DRS meets specific cyber security qualifications and allows the company to bid on technology and service government contracts involving sensitive information, including personal data.
“Protecting our business and our customers against the growing number of cyber threats is a fundamental responsibility of our business,” Peter Hurst, managing director of the firm, said. “DRS UK’s Cyber Essential certification is an important part of our information technology security policy, and I am delighted that we have now completed the integration of the required procedures into our systems and processes.”
22 Jun 16. DoD Requires ‘Culture of Cybersecurity’ to Safeguard Networks, Official Says. The Defense Department has made significant progress in implementing its cyber strategy, a senior DoD official told members of the House Armed Services Committee today. The cyber threat from state and non-state actors is constant and growing, Thomas Atkin told legislators. Atkin is the acting assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and global security.
“Our increasingly wired and interconnected world has brought prosperity and economic gain to the United States; however, our dependence on these systems also leaves us vulnerable — and the cyberthreats are increasing and evolving,” Atkin said.
DoD maintains and employs robust and unique cybercapabilities to defend its networks and the nation, he said.
Yet, that alone is not sufficient, Atkin said. Keeping networks secure, he added, is everyone’s responsibility.
‘Culture of Cybersecurity’
Safeguarding DoD’s computer networks, as well as the homeland “requires a culture of cybersecurity,” Atkin said. “More broadly, preventing cyberattacks against the U.S. homeland requires a whole-of-government, and a whole-of-nation approach.”
DoD works in close cooperation with other federal agencies, allies and the private sector to improve security in the cyber world and to ensure the department r