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2011 Navy Now Forum Focuses on Information Dominance, Cyber Security

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111118-02
11/18/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Mikelle D. Smith, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNS) -- The fall 2011 Navy Now forum networking luncheon was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., Nov. 17.

Director of Program Integration for Information Dominance, Rear Adm. William E. Leigher, the guest speaker for the event, focused on the Navy's current and future endeavors in information dominance and cyber security, and usage of cyberspace as an operational tool.

"We are currently seeing a lot of conversions because handheld devices are allowing for easy access to cyberspace from almost anywhere on the planet," said Leigher. "The challenge for us right now is trying to secure that so we can use these smart devices in our environment, but also look for ways to attack it in a continual way."

During a question and answer portion of the luncheon, Leigher touched on many key topics to include increasing awareness of integration of domains, as well as providing Naval forces with the ability for command control and freedom of navigation in cyberspace.

"When you look across cyberspace there are a few things that make it unique," said Leigher. "We attack and defend on exactly the same platform that our adversaries attack and defend on. You have to understand what that thin line is and make sure that we can assure security twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty five days a year because without that we cannot operate effectively."

The event, sponsored by the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), gives senior Navy officials and business leaders the opportunity to enhance and develop relationships that will strengthen current and future functions of the Navy.

"This is always a great opportunity for Navy and business leaders to gather together and chart out the future," said AUSN National President and retired Rear Adm. Timothy Moon. "Things like internet security and Sailors benefits are under attack every day. We get our strength from the number of members we have advocating to protect the rights and benefits of the Navy and its personnel."

This was the fourth Navy Now forum held by AUSN. The association has been active since 1957, and their mission is to advance interests of all members of the Navy community by supporting personal and professional needs of Sailors.