Three years ago we began an initiative called Information Assurance Awareness Month. During the month of February, we emphasize awareness of Information Assurance issues. Our point is that Information Assurance is everybody's business. Our users must all realize their obligation to fly the network securely, get the necessary training, and practice good network security. We established a Network Center of Excellence at Keesler AFB for training our network professionals and just recently graduated our first class of skilled professionals.
Training is critical and in the information age it involves a continuous life of learning.
We have begun fielding an improved Intrusion Detection system that will fill in the gaps of our current system. We recently awarded an Air Force-wide PKI contract and have already begun the first phase of issuing certificates to our members. This is just the beginning of increased security measures across the board, using technology to enhance our security. Information systems are more and more integrated into our command and control and weapons systems. The acquisition process must include planning for information assurance as a fundamental step.