Evolving Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) for Air Force Cyber Defense

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA598528 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The United States Air Force is at a critical time in its history. Since the end of World War II, the Air Force has enjoyed qualitative technology superiority over its adversaries. With the development of the cyber age, this technology advantage gained by the Air Force has been continuously under assault. The rapid advance of cyberspace operations is driving an imperative to evolve Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance ISR for the Air Force. Within this context, ISR can be the impetus for proactive defense within the cyberspace domain. The existing Air Force ISR capability for support to defensive cyberspace operations has to operate in an environment of global adversaries. The effectiveness of Air Force defensive cyber strategy will depend on long range trend analysis of adversary capabilities and intent. An evolution of ISR for cyber defense can improve protection of key Air Force command and control functions, as well as best preserve the Air Forces qualitative technology advantage against adversary network reconnaissance and attack activities. This paper provides several recommendations to advance ISR for cyber defense. The Air Force should develop a robust ISR Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination PED capability devoted to cyberspace. Additionally, the Air Force should conduct an in-depth study to determine resources required for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center to grow capacity for more robust analysis of adversary cyber capabilities. Next, a stronger cyber defensive strategy, enabled by ISR, will require additional intelligence resources or realignment of existing resources in the Air Force ISR Agency and 24th Air Force. ISR capabilities will be the catalyst for cyber defense of critical assets to more fully protect commanders air, space and cyber operations.

Author(s):
Bush Iii, Frederick E.
Author Organization(s):
AIR WAR COLL MAXWELL AFB AL
Descriptive Note:
Research rept.
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA598528
Pagination:
0026

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
AWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_7.1.2_Prevent Non-kinetic Attack; JCA_7.1_Prevent; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.4.2_Protect Data and Networks; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_3.2.2_Non-Kinetic Means; JCA_2.2_Collection; JCA_2.5.2_BA Data Access; JCA_2.5_BA Data Dissemination and Relay; JCA_2.1.4_Evaluation; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_2.4.5_Product Generation; JCA_2.4.2_Evaluation
Modernization Areas:
Cyber
Communities of Interest:
Cyber
Descriptor(s):
*AIR INTELLIGENCE, *CYBERWARFARE, *RECONNAISSANCE, *SURVEILLANCE, AIR FORCE, MILITARY CAPABILITIES, MILITARY STRATEGY
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Intelligence, Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
*CYBER DEFENSE, ISR(INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE), PED(PROCESSING EXPLOITATION AND DISSEMINATION), ISR PED, NASIC(NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER)
Report Date:
2013 Feb 14
Creation Date:
2014 May 14