30 December 1998
Source:

USIS Washington File
_________________________________

30 December 1998

DEFENSE DEPARTMENT REPORT, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1998

    (Joint Task Force on Computer Network Defense) (330)

    JOINT TASK FORCE ON COMPUTER NETWORK DEFENSE NOW OPERATIONAL

    The Department of Defense December 30 officially stood up its Joint
    Task Force on Computer Network Defense (JTF-CND) under the command of
    Air Force Major General John H. Campbell. Secretary of Defense William
    S. Cohen approved the formation of the joint task force on December 4,
    1998.

    Working in conjunction with the unified military commands, the
    military services and other Department of Defense agencies, the joint
    task force will be responsible for the defense of DoD networks and
    systems from intruders and other attacks.

    The JTF-CND will serve as the focal point with the Department of
    Defense to organize a united effort to defend its computer networks
    and systems. It will monitor incidents and potential threats to DoD
    systems; it will also establish links with other federal agencies
    through the National Infrastructure Protection Center to share
    information on activities across the information infrastructure. When
    attacks are detected, the JTF will be responsible for directing
    DoD-wide recovery actions to stop or contain damage and restore
    network functions to DoD operations.

    Defense exercises and real world events in 1997 and in early 1998
    demonstrated the need for an organization within the Department to
    coordinate its defensive activities and to have the authority to
    direct the necessary actions for that defense. Cohen directed the
    creation of a joint task force to provide the necessary operational
    authority consistent with accepted joint doctrine.

    The JTF-CND will report through the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
    Staff to Cohen since the joint task force is not currently assigned to
    a unified command.

    The JTF-CND will be located at and supported by the Defense
    Information Systems Agency to take full advantage of the existing
    operational computer network capabilities of DISA's Global Operations
    and Security Center, the Military Services, and DoD agencies.