DOD to update Wi-Fi policy

The Defense Department is working on a new policy for the use and protection of wireless devices.

The policy aims to improve interoperability and strengthen security for wireless systems, said Mark Norton, an engineer in the wireless directorate in the office of the assistant secretary of defense for networks and information integration and chief information officer. He spoke today at the FCW Events Wireless and RFID Conference and Exhibition.

The new policy, 8100.3, updates DOD Directive 8100.2, issued in 2004. The new directive will fortify the security of wireless devices and systems by mandating that they meet both commercial and government standards and that department agencies and military services deploy aggressive, consistent intrusion-detection systems, Norton said.

The emphasis on interoperability addresses DOD operational issues. Radio frequency identification logistics systems interfered with military radar systems during a test last year, and some DOD, government and vendor wireless systems were found vulnerable in a media investigation in 2004.