Using the acquisition process to reduce the vulnerability of future systems to information warfare

Abstract

Information warfare (IW) is a growing concern for the United States Army. The sophisticated, high-technology modern weapons systems upon which the U.S. Army heavily relies are increasing vulnerable to IW weapons and tactics. The acquisition process plays a major role in reducing defense systems IW vulnerability. This research identifies the primary IW threats to systems during the acquisition lifecycle and what factors in the acquisition environment contribute to IW vulnerability. This research also suggests a technique for integrating IW countermeasures into the defense systems acquisition process. A primary finding of this research is that while a Program Management Office (PMO) can institute a myriad of useful countermeasures, influencing the prime contractor to establish a secure development environment is the most important action it can take in reducing the vulnerability of future systems to IW