Cyber Security Initiative

The Cyber Security Initiative, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), focuses on enhancing defenses against cyber threats targeting missile defense systems. This effort is part of a broader Department of Defense (DoD) strategy to conduct counterintelligence activities in cyberspace, as outlined in various DoD directives and instructions. The primary goal is to identify, disrupt, neutralize, and mitigate threats from foreign intelligence services and international terrorist organizations that may exploit or target MDA's cyber assets.

A key objective of the initiative is collaboration with the MDA Computer Emergency Response Team to detect and mitigate potential malicious activities directed by foreign entities. This involves conducting incident assessments and forensic analyses of network activity logs to identify indicators of insider threats or cyber attacks. The initiative also coordinates with national intelligence, counterintelligence, and law enforcement agencies to understand the tactics used by foreign entities targeting MDA networks.

The program further supports the MDA Counter Insider Threat program and provides training to ensure workforce awareness of potential threats. Additionally, it focuses on protecting sensitive information facilities from unauthorized monitoring and collaborating with cleared defense contractors compromised by foreign entities. These efforts are designed to safeguard MDA's administrative and fire control networks as well as mobile devices from cyber intrusions.

In FY 2025, there is a noted decrease in personnel allocation due to a realignment for centralized management of Federally Funded Research and Development Center services under a different program element. Despite this adjustment, the Cyber Security Initiative continues its mission through ongoing collaboration with various defense and intelligence communities, leveraging expertise from military services, research centers, and industry partners.