Guest Blogger: CyberFutures Technology Exposition Blog - Thursday, March 22

Captain Matthew Stines III, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs (SAF/PAO) Media Officer, Press Desk, had the opportunity of attending the 2012 CyberFutures conference last week. The following are his photos and his personal reaction to his experience on the exposition floor. Stay tuned for more video footage from Captain Stines, as well as recaps from the speaker sessions! 

On Thursday March 22, 2012, I attended the Air Force Association’s (AFA) CyberFutures Conference at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland. During the conference I enjoyed viewing the technology exposition hall where exhibitors from across the country displayed their latest technology in cyber security.  

The products on display illustrated how the cyber threats our nation faces are urgent, sometimes difficult to detect, potentially devastating and growing. 

Recent high profile intrusions highlight the threat to U.S. businesses and critical infrastructure, and they underscore the need for a strategy for Department of Defense (DoD) to work closely with the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and support Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in its efforts in other critical infrastructure sectors. As technologies continue to evolve and spread, the Nation and DoD, face the very real possibility that these threats will continue increase.

DoD’s success in cyberspace depends on a robust public/private partnership. The defense of military networks will matter little unless our critical civilian infrastructure is also able to withstand attacks.

I had an opportunity to talk with an IT industry expert from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) regarding how their company works with the Air Force to deter cyber security threats with its command and control capability.

“We’re here to showcase some of the SAIC capabilities that are needed for cyber defense. The cyber mission is very important to national defense,” said Michael R. Raker, SAIC Senior Engineer. 

The Department of Defense depends on cyberspace to execute its national security mission and provide timely responses to crisis or contingency, conduct its operations, project power abroad and keep our troops safe.

DoD continues to pursue new ways of sharing information and expertise with its partners in the private sector. DoD’s support is always done in coordination with DHS and under civilian control, according to applicable laws, and with careful consideration of privacy and civil liberties. 

This image features Dylan M. Goodrich, SAIC, Strategic Communications Analyst (Far left)
and Mr. Michael R. Raker, Senior Software Engineer, SAIC (Far right) assisting a customer
at the SAIC exhibition during AFA's CyberFutures Conference at the Gaylord National Resort.  

This picture features Dylan M. Goodrich, SAIC, Strategic Communications Analyst (Far left)
and Mr. Michael R. Raker, Senior Software Engineer, SAIC (Far right) providing me
with a demonstration of their command and control software.

This picture features Dylan M. Goodrich, SAIC, Strategic Communications Analyst (Far left)
and Mr. Michael R. Raker, Senior Software Engineer, SAIC (Far right)
providing me with a demonstration of their command and control software.