Awarded by the US Defense Information Systems Agency, the agreement covers the continuance of operational and sustainment services for the Pentagon and the National Capital Region’s digital connectivity.

Work for the network, used by over 55,000 users, will be accompanied by the optimization of related IT environments to enhance the “speed, security, and reliability” of the infrastructure.

Associated tasks will be performed for a one-year base period and two six-month options.

“Enhancing the Pentagon’s network infrastructure will further advance technological superiority for our warfighters,” GDIT Defense Senior Vice President Brian Sheridan stated.

“We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with [Defense Information Systems Agency] and reimagining new ways to provide a modern, secure and reliable network.”

GDIT’s Latest DoD Projects

GDIT’s renewal contract followed the firm’s acquisition of a cyber firm based in Florida to improve its ongoing support for the US Special Operations Command and international allies.

In May 2024, the company received a $185-million award to provide digital security services for the US Air Force’s civil engineering division in Texas.

This followed another $922-million project two months earlier to apply a widescale update for the US Central Command’s IT infrastructure.

Alongside technical support, GDIT has also partnered with the Department of Defense to assist in training courses for over 200,000 combatants under the US Army’s III Armored Corps.

The post Pentagon Renews General Dynamics Network Infrastructure Support Contract appeared first on The Defense Post.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered the launch of the segment, according to Jakarta’s news agency Antara, with National Armed Forces Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto confirming this in a recent meeting with the House of Representatives.

The branch will add to an existing cyber unit that is already “highly dependent on the capability of human resources.”

“I have been ordered by the president, following his speech at the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), to create the cyber military force,” Subiyanto stated.

The framework for a new cybersecurity body will involve the integration of centers in each military branch and all primary armed forces headquarters.

Recruits for the program will include civilians, with the majority to be sourced from high school and university graduates, according to the general.

Strategy on Track

Jakarta’s initiative follows evaluations by government officials and cybersecurity experts to form a fourth military branch specializing in the digital domain.

The effort is expected to adapt Indonesia’s defense assets to the evolving “cyber war” and further protect the country’s economy.

In July 2024, discussions intensified after the nation encountered its largest cyber attack, which affected major airports, immigration operations, and about 230 public agencies.

Cooperation With US

Before this recent announcement, Indonesia signed a bilateral defense agreement with the US Department of Defense to heighten the Southeast Asian country’s cyber competitiveness.

The partnership allows for continuous proficiency programs related to cyberspace, with additional applications to be explored for future tools and objectives.

“Cyber is one of those areas where you don’t have to be an enormous country with a significant inventory of armament,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the teaming agreement.

“You can bring capability to the table in the cyber domain even if you’re a smaller country with limited capability.”

The post Indonesia to Form Cyber Military Branch appeared first on The Defense Post.

The project will primarily focus on data protection, asset and network security, and identity and access management for CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program.

Additional work involves support for covered civilian agencies to modernize to the “zero trust” framework “in a coordinated, accelerated way.”

Work for the three-year agreement has a base value of $421 million.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to continue our longstanding partnership with CDM, which aligns squarely with our VoLT (Velocity, Leadership, Technology) business strategy to innovate at the speed of need,” Booz Allen Hamilton Vice President and CDM Lead Erica Banks stated.

“We look forward to helping the nation’s agencies improve their own cybersecurity postures and help them perform critical data-enabled missions in service of millions of Americans every day.”

Supporting ‘Key Mechanism’

CISA’s CDM Program assists US Homeland Security to monitor the cybersecurity posture of federal government agencies.

The initiative supervises the acquisition, tests, distribution, and upgrades of “risk-based, consistent, and cost-effective” digital protection capabilities across all organizational tiers.

For the contract, CISA and the Virginia-based intelligence company’s teaming will encompass 13 agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, NASA, and the IRS.

“The threat environment is constantly evolving and growing more complex as the nation pivots to strategic competition,” Booz Allen Hamilton SVP and National Cyber Defense Lead Kelly Rozumalski explained.

“Federal agencies must be able to respond quickly to emerging threats in a matter of minutes or seconds, not months or weeks, to mitigate risks to US critical infrastructure and civilians.”

“The CDM program is a key mechanism the federal government has to provide visibility across the federal civilian space, and we are proud to support this program to build resilience into the nation’s critical infrastructure.”

The post Booz Allen Hamilton Secures $1.2B Award Ceiling for CISA Cyber Ops Services appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal covers the continuous supply of Halo, the firm’s proprietary BYOD solution emulating a virtual workspace on servicemen’s devices.

Halo enables access to the US Department of Defense’s cloud-based enterprise operating system “DoD 365” and allows the signing of digital documents.

The mobile software’s zero-trust architecture enhances remote connectivity and privacy without the use of a common access card, preventing risk to critical information.

Alongside the provision of Halo, the firm will assist the army in transitioning its data applications into the Pentagon’s Impact Level 5 information technology (IT) infrastructure to further boost cyber protection, resiliency, and compliance.

Work for the project will cover active duty, reserve, and national guard members.

“The US Army is committed to leveraging and authorizing secure Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to reduce Army cloud spending on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) deployment models and administrative overhead, so applying this to our BYOD solutions is a logical step toward transforming and modernizing our operations,” US Army Chief Information Officer Leonel Garciga stated.

Approved for Army Enterprise

Hypori’s latest BYOD agreement followed Halo’s approval as an enterprise capability for US Army use in 2023. The company supports approximately 50,000 army users.

“This contract underscores our commitment to delivering superior IT solutions for the Army and supporting our nation’s defenders,” Hypori CEO and President Jared Shepard said.

“As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, government networks and data must be protected without compromising user privacy. We’re proud to be the mobile BYOD solution provider that meets these critical needs.” 

Halo for Air Force

Hypori accepted a separate $4.1-million award in August 2024 for similar support of the US Air Force.

It stipulated the distribution of 10,000 licenses of the Halo software across the service, with enlistment to begin in the fall.

The post Hypori to Extend BYOD Support for US Army appeared first on The Defense Post.

The People Power Party said in a Sunday commentary that sensitive information about the country’s Baekdu and Geumgang spy planes had been compromised following an alleged “DPRK cyberattack.”

A Seoul-based defense analyst warned that the breach could provide Pyongyang with critical insights about South Korea’s surveillance methods.

It could also pose significant security risks given the advanced nature of the two aircraft for communications and radar detection.

“Recent performance improvements have made these systems more effective than in their initial phase in surveilling North Korea’s ground activities,” Shin Seung-ki from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses told NK News.

K2 Black Panther

In a separate incident, North Korea reportedly obtained key information about the K2 Black Panther, one of Seoul’s best-selling export products.

Three South Korean researchers allegedly leaked design drawings, development reports, and sensitive data related to the chemical, biological, and radiological pressure device on the main battle tank.

Initial investigation revealed that the accused passed the information through external hard drives in exchange for hefty payments.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration was said to be unaware of the breach until the ROK police launched a probe.

Stronger Protection

This is not the first sensitive information about South Korea’s defense assets has been compromised.

Earlier this year, major North Korean hacking groups breached the internal networks of South Korean defense companies and stole technical data.

They also hacked South Korean chip equipment makers — a move believed to aid Pyongyang’s efforts to develop semiconductors for its weapons programs.

South Korean military analyst Yang Uk from the Asan Institute has emphasized the need for stronger protection of the country’s advanced military technologies from cyber espionage.

He suggested the creation of a specialized counterintelligence agency that would work on addressing these cyber vulnerabilities.

The post S. Korea Says North Stole Technical Data About K2 Tank, Spy Planes appeared first on The Defense Post.

The compute-and-data-storage system supports Cyber Protection Teams’ suite of Defensive Cyber Operations platforms and tools, allowing troops to conduct missions anywhere in the world, the Maryland-based firm explained.

To maintain “positive control while ensuring maximum functionality,” the DDS-Mv2 boasts a “reduced form factor and enhanced compute and storage” to provide top performance, scalability, and portability.

“We’re honored to support the US Army in advancing its cyber defense capabilities,” SealingTech CEO Brandon Whalen said.

“SealingTech remains committed to helping the Federal Government and its armed forces continue to be proactive in its hunt forward operations to identify and neutralize cyber threats.”

The contract covers one base year with the option for two one-year extensions.

“Our intent is to be a mission partner providing the Army Cyber Command’s Cyber Protection Brigades innovative tailored capabilities to ensure overmatch over adversaries within the cyber domain,” SealingTech’s Army Business Development Account Manager Wade Saunders said.

The post US Army Contracts SealingTech for Defensive Cyber Ops System appeared first on The Defense Post.

During the ceremony, the firm accepted “multiple high-value” contracts from the Pentagon and other federal agencies.

The deals will cover cyber defense enhancement, secure communication network development, and supply of data analytics solutions.

Simultaneously, Enlighten demonstrated one of the firm’s latest “big data” analytics platforms called IONIC.

This cloud-enabled capability consolidates operational readiness, intelligence, infrastructure, and cybersecurity data points to identify key information for users.

The system delivers tailored results from different sources, including artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, to “narrow the field” in investigations and mission implementation.

“HII is excited to open our new office in Columbia, Maryland,” HII Executive Vice President Andy Green said during the event.

“This expansion allows Enlighten and HII to better serve our clients while also strengthening our presence in a region known for its technological innovation and talent. We look forward to continuing our growth and contributing to the local community.”

The post HII Cyber Subsidiary Opens New Hub in Maryland appeared first on The Defense Post.

The effort will supply a range of critical services to improve cyber assets and operational performance of the service’s subordinate commands.

It will incorporate a “full-spectrum” of planning, intelligence and exercise analysis, teleconference and audio-visual support, knowledge management, and help desk assistance.

Clear Ridge said it will apply its “extensive experience and cutting-edge” solutions to reinforce decision-making, implementation, and sustainment works associated with the marines’ cyber missions.

Work will encompass the Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command, Cyberspace Warfare Group, Information Command, and the Joint Force Headquarters – Cyber.

The contract has a one-year base period with an additional four-year option. The company noted that the deal will cost about $113 million if all options are exercised.

“CRD is committed to providing unparalleled support to our Marine Corps partners,” COO Chris Comstock said.

“Our team is dedicated to ensuring that MARFORCYBER and its subordinate commands have the resources and expertise they need to navigate the complex and evolving cyber threat landscape.”

CEO Jeffrey Bullock added that the award “is a testament to our team’s expertise and commitment to delivering innovative cyber solutions that enhance the operational effectiveness of our nation’s cyber forces.”

Recent US Cyber Operations Projects

The US teamed with IBM in July to provide support for the government’s Cybersecurity Protection and Response partner nations in Europe and Eurasia.

The same month, the US invested $32 million in the Defense Health Agency’s cybersecurity risk management. A similar task costing $60.7 million was awarded to KBR in March.

In May, the US Air Force awarded General Dynamics a contract to amplify cybersecurity operations under the service’s Civil Engineer Center. Simultaneously, Accenture signed a separate contract to maintain the US Navy’s unified security platform.

The post Maryland Company to Support US Marine Corps Cyber Operations appeared first on The Defense Post.

The five-year effort will optimize network connectivity for 30,000 to 160,000 users including 14 Fourth Estate Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs), which administers enterprise-wide support for the Pentagon.

Throughout the program, the company will improve the DoDNet domain’s security, preserve its scalability, and assist corresponding operations with “resilient and flexible information technology (IT) solutions.”

These tasks incorporate cybersecurity and technical support, systems engineering, and management.

Leidos noted that the deal will also distribute a new Virtual Desktop solution to enable a dependable network anytime, anywhere on any device for DISA.

Once completed, the initiative is expected to support about 370,000 DAFA users and workstations.

Supporting Migration

According to Leidos, the task order is part of the company’s ongoing $11.5-billion single-award contract with DISA to support the modernization of the DoDNet.

The 10-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity agreement encompasses different DAFA teams as they migrate from legacy systems to a more advanced and consolidated DoDNet.

Leidos accepted the contract in February 2022 and has leveraged the firm’s Defense Enclave Services framework since the program’s implementation.

“As one of DISA’s largest IT service providers, Leidos is focused on leveraging our innovation, speed, and agility to deliver an exceptional user experience and establish a strong foundation of operations and maintenance support to expand the DoDNet user community,” Leidos Digital Modernization President Steve Hull stated.

“By delivering the standardized DoDNet, our goal is to enable more efficient service delivery and support across DAFAs to advance the mission of our nation’s warfighters and secure our combat operations around the world.”

Recent Network Contracts

Leidos signed a $180-million contract in October 2023 to provide digital healthcare technology for US servicemen.

This contract replaces the DoD’s aging Military Health System Video Connect, ensuring modernized connectivity across hospitals, clinical experts, and warfighters.

One month earlier, the company received a contract to supply tactical IT hardware solutions for the US Army.

The 10-year effort covers existing unified networks under the Joint All Domain Command and Control strategy and will cost $7.9 billion if all options are exercised.

The post DISA Taps Leidos for Defense Network Operations, Maintenance Services appeared first on The Defense Post.

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies said that a group known as Andariel “has been compromising organizations around the world to steal sensitive and classified technical information and intellectual property data.”

Andariel has been identified as an arm of Pyongyang’s spy agency, and working “to further the regime’s military and nuclear ambitions,” the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said.

Defense, aerospace, nuclear, and engineering organizations have mainly been targeted, as well as medical and energy providers, some of which have been hit by ransomware attacks.

“The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that DPRK-state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programs,” said NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester, referring to the secretive communist state.

“It should remind critical infrastructure operators of the importance of protecting the sensitive information and intellectual property they hold on their systems to prevent theft and misuse.”

In a separate advisory, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation said Andariel, which is known by a variety of names, “remain(s) an ongoing threat to various industry sectors worldwide.”

The group has exploited vulnerabilities in software to launch cyberattacks, including malware and phishing to gain access to sensitive data and information.

It urged companies involved in defense, aerospace, nuclear, and engineering sectors “to remain vigilant in defending their networks from North Korea-state-sponsored cyber operations.”

North Korean Indicted in US

The FBI said Andariel had been trying to obtain information such as specifications and design drawings for uranium processing and enrichment as well as missiles and missile defense systems.

The US Justice Department announced the indictment meanwhile of a North Korean national, Rim Jong Hyok, alleged to be a member of the Andariel hacking group.

Rim was indicted by a grand jury in Kansas for alleged extortion attacks on US hospitals and other health care providers, the department said in a statement.

“North Korean hackers developed custom tools to target and extort US health care providers and used their ill-gotten gains to fund a spree of hacks into government, technology, and defense entities worldwide, all while laundering money through China,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said.

The State Department announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the apprehension of Rim.

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