Air Force gets WISE on network security

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate has awarded a $9.5 million contract to Lockheed Martin for research in enhanced computer network security.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide software, testing and evaluation reports and demonstrations related to implementing the World Infrastructure Security Environment (WISE) concept, said Frances Rose, program manager for the lab’s Information Grid Division, in a statement.

“The WISE program contemplates providing near-term technology solutions to the improvements of information assurance efforts, as well as researching long-term, innovative solutions to information security concerns,” she said.

WISE intends to develop capabilities to monitor host activity in real time, alert analysts of information attacks and recommend information-based countermeasures, according to analyst reports. The Air Force plans to incorporate WISE into its Cyber Security Management System, the reports state.

Orincon Information Assurance of San Diego won the initial contract to develop WISE in April 2003. In late 2003, Lockheed Martin acquired Omicron and its 250 employees.

Orincon received funding for WISE under the congressionally mandated Small Business Innovative Research Program. The program is aimed at fostering small businesses’ technology innovation, said Christine Anderson, director of requirements at the lab. The lab is the executive agent for the program in the Air Force.

The technology developed under WISE was originally intended for Air Force and DOD use, but will likely be applied to various commercial uses, said Rose. The current contract has a term of three years.