In early October President Obama signed an Executive Order (EO) covering “Structural Reforms to Improve the Security of Classified Networks and the Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of Classified Information.” The National Archives Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) is the Government entity charged with overseeing Executive Branch performance in executing the President’s program for classified information. Three “generations” of ISOO directors, Jay Bosanko, Bill Cira (Acting), and John Fitzpatrick have been at the table for the seven months of policy discussions leading to this EO.
The EO spells out a set of responsibilities for those who operate or access classified computer networks, establishes a Senior Information Sharing and Safeguarding Committee and a Classified Information Sharing and Safeguarding Office (CISSO). ISOO, whose role in helping blend the goals of safeguarding and sharing is recognized by the EO, will be represented on the Committee and will work closely with CISSO on policy and standards issues.
In addition, the EO names the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Agency Director as the Executive Agent for Safeguarding Classified Information on Computer Networks.
Finally, an Interagency Insider Threat Task Force is established to develop a program for “…deterring, detecting, and mitigating insider threats…” ISOO will also be represented on this Task Force.
Throughout this process the motto of our National Declassification Center has been very much in my mind—“Releasing All We Can, Protecting What We Must.” As we implement this new Executive Order we will continue to represent the interests of both the Government and the American People.
For More information:
Full text of Executive Order: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/07/executive-order-structural-reforms-improve-security-classified-networks-
Statement by ISOO Director John Fitzpatrick: http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2012/nr12-11.html