CNO Part 1: Computer Network Exploitation

CNE

This is the first part in my series about Computer Network Operations (CNO).  Again, I welcome any and all discussion on the matter and hope that this post will help educate our readers and encourage dialogue between them. Computer Network Exploitation (CNE): Includes enabling actions and intelligence collection via computer networks that exploit data gathered from target or enemy information systems or networks. Joint Pub 3-13 CNE, which can … [Read more...]

TechAmerica Spending Predictions 2011 and on

TechAmerica has released federal IT spending predictions.  Their five-year forcast of Federal IT growth is 2.8% a year from $79.6B in FY 11 to $91.3 in FY 16. Additionally, they predict that DoD spending will drop 1.1% annually over the next ten years, resulting in a drop from $704B in FY 11 to $663B in FY 21. “Both federal IT and defense spending are likely to run up against the realities of an uncertain economy, the federal debt and other pressures … [Read more...]

White House Cyber Policy Review: And a Cyber Czar

I enjoyed listening to the President today as he provided an update on where we are in our efforts to enhance our freedom of action in cyberspace.  All the details are on the White House website and I hope you visit there yourself to download the 60-day cyberspace policy review. Details are here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/CyberReview/ I have been reading the report already-- and will also read all the papers and studies referenced there. So far I have … [Read more...]

Melissa Hathaway speaks at Intelligence and National Security Alliance

INSA, the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, is a group of professionals from academia, industry and government who seek to enhance innovation, discussion, debate and progress on key national security issues.  I've been involved as a member for years and get the pleasure of interacting with folks from a wide swath of the community. One of the many services INSA provides the community is providing a venue for speakers and community leaders to … [Read more...]

What does the Oracle-Sun news mean for enterprise CTOs?

OK, sometimes I get emotionally attached to great technology.  I need to watch that, I know humans are what is important.  But science is cool too, and it gets really really exciting to watch great humans create and field great technologies.  That is why I have long been a fan of both Oracle and Sun.  I like many other powerhouse IT companies as well... but those are the two names dominating this week's news and it has been the topic of dozens of … [Read more...]

Triumfant real-time malware detection and remediation

As I've previously noted I'm on the advisory board for Trimufant (I'm at this page).  I'm hoping all CTO types will check out this company (and I'm also hoping you don't mind me blogging about a company I'm advising.  After all, I'm associated with them because I believe they are a world-class outfit with a great capability). In this post I want to bring your attention to a Triumfant press release .  It is an announcement that Triumfant now provides … [Read more...]

Enhancing Security and Functionality At The Same Time

Have you ever been sucked into the false debate over how much IT spending should be spent on security?  I used to all the time.  Some folks point to a rule of thumb that goes something like "ten percent of the IT budget should be applied to security."  That old school formula may well be part of the reason we got into the mess we are currently in.  It contributes to thoughts that lead you to think security can be separated.  By my way of thinking, … [Read more...]

The Future of Global IT: Its like the Kobayashi Maru

If you are a little rusty on your advanced science literature, theater and movies and don't recall the story from the fictional Star Trek universe known as the Kobayashi Maru, please take a moment to watch this clip, just to get your mind going: This part of the story, reportedly written by Gene Roddenberry himself, is about a simulation at Star Fleet Academy.  For most students there it is a no-win scenario, as you saw in the clip.   For one, … [Read more...]

Plastic Logic and what could be the ultimate thin client

I've written a bit here about new display technologies that are so thin they are disruptive to our current way of work. The move to cloud computing and rapid advances in display technology is enabling this, and these are both trends we ahve all been watching for quite a while. In October 2007 I wrote "Enterprise Requirements Come From Hollywood" where OLED (organic light emitting diode) TV's were discussed.   I mentioned the fact that once again … [Read more...]

A look ahead: Some technology developments to expect in 2009

2008 was a year of rapid changes for Chief Technology Officers.  We should expect 2009 to move even faster.  Where will the biggest trends take us?  I offer some considerations below.  Please look these over and give me your thoughts.   Push back if you have disagreement. First, my overall advice for CTOs in 2009... Just like the new thin interfaces you will be testing in your lab... be flexible. Now here are some more thoughts on what's in store … [Read more...]