SIGNAL Magazine

Security is the lifeblood of Defense Department operations, and the department is making strides to improve connectivity and to keep pace with technology. But can such a far-reaching organization relax its protocol even slightly and still trust that rules will be followed? Will the people involved buy in to the new culture and make it work? Tell us your thoughts, give us your suggestions.

The mostly static federal bureaucracy can use an entrepreneurial FCSA shot to the arm-but will this new acquisition process just add more layers of red tape to a system trying to streamline? Will it work smoothly, or does the FCSA have too many kinks? How about other potential methods? Please share your ideas.

Marines are deploying with new commercial gear. Are other commercial-sector technologies potentially adaptable to military/humanitarian uses? How about ideas yet to see the drawing board? No concept is too far-fetched; discuss your ideas here.

Networking on the move is the newest capability coming to the warfighter, writes Linton Wells II in this month's Incoming column. He goes on to speculate what this might look like, but notes several challenges along the way. How can industry rise to meet these challenges?

Antenna technology takes a swift turn with a new alloy allowing bendable, unbreakable, miniaturized reception. Do you see this technology succeeding? Do you envision other uses for this alloy beyond antennas?

In "New Document Provides Framework for Interagency Data Sharing," Henry Kenyon describes a newly released document that sets common standards for data security and risk management: the NIST Special Publication 800-37, Revision 1, Guide for Applying the Risk Management Framework to Federal Information Systems: A Security Life Cycle Approach (NIST SP-800-37).

The U.S. cyber infrastructure receives double protection with help from the DHS' new cybersecurity integration center. Do you believe the NCCIC is equipped to handle and accomplish its mission? Can any single organization be? Will layers of bureaucracy hinder its effectiveness?

The research projects arm of DHS is crafting new tech tools to protect and enhance the national infrastructure.

Cyber denizens meet on DEFStar-an innovative social media site geared toward government and military.

SIGNAL Magazine and AFCEA wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!