DHS and DoD Announce Agreement to Protect U.S. Computer Networks

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release, dated October 13, 2010, stating that the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security have "signed a memorandum of agreement that will align and enhance America's capabilities to protect against threats to our critical civilian and military computer systems and networks."

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"With this memorandum of agreement, effective immediately, we are building a new framework between our Departments to enhance operational coordination and joint program planning. It formalizes processes in which we work together to protect our nation's cyber networks and critical infrastructure, and increases the clarity and focus of our respective roles and responsibilities."

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The press release also stated that the new agreement "will improve economy and efficiency be better leveraging vital technologies and personnel to serve both Departments' missions in full adherence to U.S. laws and regulation. This memorandum of agreement furthers out strong commitment to protecting civil liberties and privacy."  

KEY FEATURES:

The agreement calls for the creation of several new positions with regard to the Department of Homeland Security, with the overall goal of fostering communication between the two Departments.  Among the DHS positions created will be a single DHS representative in the National Protection and Programs Directorate at NSA; although this individual will operate outside the NSA's chain of command.  This individual will also serve as the "DHS Senior Cybersecurity Representative to U.S. Cyber Command." 

With respect to the Department of Defense, the agreement calls for, among other things, DoD to "[p]rovide appropriate access, facilities, and administrative support (including necessary equipment and connectivity to support the . . . DHS personnel assigned to [the following entities:]

• NSA Directorate of Acquisition; 
• Joint Coordination Element to be located at NSA;
• NSA/CSS Threat Operations Center"

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 The press release can be read in full by clicking the link above, or here.  The Memorandum of Agreement is available in PDF, and can be found here.