Does DoD Level Security Work in the Real World?

Does DoD Level Security Work in the Real World? After spending nearly 13 years working for the Department of Defense, I ventured out into the private sector to consult and advice on matters of information security. On many occasions, after explainin...

Does DoD Level Security Work in the Real World?

After spending nearly 13 years working for the Department of Defense, I ventured out into the private sector to consult and advice on matters of information security. On many occasions, after explaining some basic security concept to a customer and outlining what they need to do to be secure, I often heard the retort, “yeah, but we don’t need DoD level security.” Well, after twenty years in the private sector, and especially over the past 2-3 years with the proliferation of data breaches against major companies, I find myself wanting to reply, “yeah, you really DO need DoD level security!”

What does this mean? Probably not what you are thinking. This talk will start with an overview of the foundational nature of data security, highlight the major tenets or goals of data security, discuss how and why so many companies so often fail at implementing the basics of data security, and explore some ways that a DoD-centric approach to data security might be implemented in the private sector. Brainstorming, discussion, dissention all welcome. Note: This ain’t about Cyber!