Webinar on Cyber Security Testing and Evaluation by CSIAC

Jun 5, 2024

Webinar Presentation by Cyber Security and Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSIAC)

Welcome and Introduction

  • Presenter: Philip Payne, Technical Lead for CSIAC
  • CSIAC: Defense research partner in Cybersecurity and Information Systems within DoD
    • Operates under Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
    • Highlights emerging research for DoD
    • Aims to unlock information and foster collaboration to stimulate innovation
  • Administrative Notes:
    • Webinar slides available online
    • All participants are muted, can use chat for communication
    • Questions for Q&A to be submitted via Q&A window
    • Full presentation available online post-webinar

Presenters

  1. Sarah Standard: Retired Navy Captain, Executive Director for Developmental Test Evaluation and Assessments at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
  2. Nilo Thomas: BS Aerospace Engineering, software and cyber advisor for DOT&E

Primary Topics

  1. Overview of DoD Test and Evaluation Policy and Guidance Updates
  2. Cyber Test and Evaluation (T&E) Policy and Guidance Deep Dive

DoD Test and Evaluation Updates

  • DODI 5000.89 - DoD Test and Evaluation Documentation
  • New Publications:
    • Enterprise T&E Guidebook (2022)
    • Manually Consolidating memos into DoD Manuals (DoDM)
      • E.g., DoDM 5000.xC for Cyber T&E, software T&E, electronics management (EMSO), and modeling/simulation testing
  • Companion Guides - Introduction to T&E testing procedures
  • Integrated Decision Support Key (IDSK): Document for scheduling and resource allocation for testing to inform critical decisions

Cyber T&E Strategy

  • Building Cyber T&E Strategy within overall T&E Strategy using IDSK
  • Cyber Working Group responsible for updating the T&E strategy
  • Initial Component level testing to full System of Systems level
    • Types of Testing Incorporated:
      • Cyber OT&E, Cyber Live Fire, Cyber DT, Contractor T&E, Integrated Contractor Government T&E
      • Tracking data for decision making
  • Attack Surface Characterization - Detecting potential vulnerabilities and threat modeling
  • Ensuring results and observables are integrated into design and operational frameworks continuously (Iterative Process)

Cyber T&E Details

  • Key Points:
    • Critical to identify and mitigate engineering technical issues
    • Focus on measurable requirements for system capabilities (prevent, mitigate, recover, adapt)
    • Compliance verification and reporting needs integrated into contract requirements
  • Government Cyber DT - Evaluating systems against compliance standards and ensuring robust capabilities
  • Operational Cyber Testing and Evaluation (OT&E)
    • Conducting thorough evaluations under realistic conditions to assess sufficiency
    • Incorporating representative users, environments, and cyber defenders
    • Assess operational effects and inform stakeholders about system vulnerabilities and mission impacts

Cyber Live Fire Testing

  • Concept: Non-kinetic, close cooperation with live fire community to merge testing processes
  • Pilot projects and developing processes for rigorous system assessments under potential cyber threats
  • Part of ensuring full system checks including cyber survivability

Cyber T&E Reporting

  • Focusing on practical outputs for vulnerability exposure, operational impacts, and remediation actions
  • Enabling adaptive processes and generating decision-support data throughout system lifecycle

Conclusion

  • Reiterating iterative and data-driven approach for comprehensive cyber evaluations
  • Leveraging automation and integration for efficient testing processes
  • Continuous feedback loop in engineering, testing, and decision making
  • Promoting proactive measures such as integrated testing, realistic scenarios, and detailed reporting

Q&A

  • Addressing questions on policy, live fire cyber T&E, data-sharing challenges, and impact on operational exercises
  • Encouraging continued communication and clarity in guidance