DOD gives interim wireless guidance

The Defense Department has decided to delay issuing its final security policies on restricting wireless devices in order to seek additional comments on the proposed rules, a DOD spokesman said.

Defense Department chief information officer John Stenbit has signed off on an "interim guidance" memo that went to the service secretaries and the directors of DOD agencies last week.

The assistant secretary of Defense for command, control, communications and intelligence will gather feedback and release the final security directive once a review of it is complete, the DOD spokesman said Aug. 23. He said that there is no specific time frame for closing the comment period.

DOD would not release a copy of the interim guidance, but it did release a "DOD wireless strategy information sheet."

The draft DOD policy covers the use of commercial wireless devices, services and technologies. It directs the development of a "knowledge management process to promote the sharing of wireless technology capabilities, vulnerabilities and vulnerability mitigation strategies through the department."

The policy is designed to promote joint interoperability through the use of open standards across the department, DOD officials said.

Stenbit also issued a draft policy for wireless security at the Pentagon. It prohibits wireless connectivity with information devices to a classified network or computer and prohibits devices that are not approved.

Furthermore, devices must be disabled when in a location where there is classified information electronically stored, processed or transmitted unencrypted.

The policy requires "punitive action" for repeated violations of the policy that jeopardize the security of the Pentagon.

The policies are part of an overarching effort to bolster the security of DOD communications.