"Cyber Workforce Vital to Protecting National Security"

The US Defense Department's cyber workforce is responsible for defending nearly every system that the government agency uses to safeguard national security. John Marx, the acting principal director for cyber modernization in the office of the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, discussed the department's cyber missions and workforce talent during Engineers Week (February 21 to 27). According to Marx, the first goal of modernizing cyber capabilities in the Department of Defense (DoD) is to advance its ability to develop and deploy cyber-resilient systems. The second goal is to create a unique capability for highly integrated cyber and electromagnetic spectrum operations. The third goal is to develop an unrivaled cyber and electromagnetic spectrum expertise, supporting the first two goals. In addition to these missions, DoD provides support to critical civilian infrastructures in case of necessity when infrastructure owners request it under authorities such as the Defense Support to Civil Authorities. DoD collaborates closely with other federal agencies and local entities to provide this support. Marx highlighted DoD's continuous search for cyber talent and talent within its workforce. DoD is always seeking individuals who know how software drives complex systems. These individuals are typically computer engineers, software engineers, and electrical engineers. Mechanical, civil, chemical, aerospace, and biomedical engineers are also encouraged to have a strong understanding of the way in which their fields of practice rely on cyber systems. This article continues to discuss DoD's cyber capability modernization goals, the department's search for cyber talent, how engineers can gain more cybersecurity knowledge, and technologies that will improve cybersecurity. 

The Department of Defense reports "Cyber Workforce Vital to Protecting National Security"