For so many reasons, it is a scary world that we live in.
I often lay in bed at night and think about the House Of Cards scenario, and wonder to what extent our fragile infrastructure resembles a large and complex House Of Cards. I sleep well by convincing myself that our infrastructure is apparently a very stable House Of Cards, because time and time again, infrastructure successfully survives challenges to its being. My fear, however, is that things may change near-term as our infrastructure weakens, and as the skills and motivation of our adversaries rises.
One area of our Infrastructure that requires continuous vigilant protection is Cyberspace. As the world becomes more dependent on computers and vast reaching networks, Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly rich space for our adversaries to work in. It is relatively easy to gain access to computers, and the consequences associated with even a partially successful cyber-attack are great.
ATI is offering a new course which addresses this area of concern. Cyberspace Operations – Homeland Defense and Security is a two-day course which will focus on analysis of vulnerabilities and threats to the U.S. Critical Infrastructure; whole of government cyberspace responses to threats; and protection and defense of the homeland.
The national and economic security of the United States depends on the reliable functioning of Critical Infrastructure. The DoD works with its interagency partners [Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), the Intelligence Community (IC), and others], state and local governments, and the private sector to deter and if necessary, defeat cyberattacks on the U.S. homeland and U.S. interests.
Attendees will develop a better understanding of DoD’s homeland defense and security cyberspace operations, as well as the roles and responsibilities of other national level actors (DHS, DOJ, the IC, and others). Technical and tactical cyberspace experts can benefit from this course by understanding how National policies and strategies guide their activities. Attendees will receive copies of the presentation along with some relevant white papers.
Cyberspace Operations – Homeland Defense and Security will be taught by Ben Leitzel (Colonel, USAF Retired) who recently retired from the United States Army War College where he was an Assistant Professor, Chief of the Cyberspace Division, and Chair of the Cyberspace Working Group. He entered the Air Force in 1982 after he graduated from Parks College of Saint Louis University with a degree in Aeronautical Administration. He is a graduate of Navigator Training, Electronic Warfare Officer Training, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College. Ben brings a wealth of knowledge to this ATI offering, and the class will surely be a great experience for all.
To learn more about ATI’s upcoming Cyberspace Operations – Homeland Defense and Security, you can go here. At this link, you can learn more about this course, and register to attend. Please don’t delay though, as the next offering of this course is only weeks away.