WASHINGTON -- The theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October will be "Remain vigilant, be accountable, stand ready," said Maj. Gen. Garrett Yee.
Yee, the Army's acting deputy chief information officer, G-6, spoke at the Defense Strategies Institute-sponsored "Cyber Operations for National Defense Symposium" here, Tuesday.
"Cybersecurity is absolutely a big topic of discussion now in the Pentagon," he said. "We take cyber -- offensive, defensive and cybersecurity -- extremely seriously."
Look around any installation or at weapons systems on the battlefield, Yee observed. Think how many of those things are web-enabled, think how many are wireless, and think how many have Bluetooth connectivity.
As part of modernization efforts, the Army is doing a full service assessment, incorporating cybersecurity considerations from the ground up, and dedicating the required resources -- including people, policy and money -- to ensure each weapons system is secure and any vulnerability is addressed, he said.
"Ultimately, our work to modernize our network will make us stronger and safer," Yee added.
Yee also remarked on the newly created Army Futures Command, which will focus on six areas: the Army network, long-range precision fires, future vertical lift, next-generation combat vehicle, air and missile defense, and Soldier lethality.
"The Army has created cross-functional teams to get after the six modernization priorities," he said. "Incorporating cybersecurity into all modernization efforts secures networks, platforms and data to create cyberspace advantages that enhance operations across all domains."
He added that all six of the Army's modernization priorities are network enabled. "And, of course, we work hand in hand with the Network CFT to get cutting-edge network and cybersecurity tools into the hands of Soldiers for testing and possibly fielding."
Yee closed by circling back to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, explaining that October marks the kickoff of a year-long Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign.
"The campaign is designed to highlight and provide protective solutions to cyber threats that may compromise mission readiness," he said. "Each week the campaign will cover topics relevant to Soldiers, civilians, contractors and family members -- both personally and on the Army network."
A strong cybersecurity foundation is essential to protecting the Army's people, mission and operational information, he added.