CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- “The problem with the perception of cybersecurity is it stops you from doing your job, and that's incorrect,” said Jeff Watts, director of cyber solutions for the Facility Related Control Systems (FRCS) Cyber Operations Group.
Watts is the architect for the network that allows remote monitoring of installation facilities, ensuring that Marines, Sailors and civilians on base can conduct themselves safely.
“Cybersecurity is an enabler, it enables you to do great things. Without cyber security we couldn't get access to this data, we couldn't do these things,” said Watts.
“Generally speaking, I will review documents, attend meetings, look over architecture design and study new technology,” said Watts “I work with research labs and other people to determine what are our threats now, and what will our threats be a year from now and five years from now?”
From remotely monitoring facilities to maintaining a secure network for information, cyber security is about being ready for the next threat and is essential for MCB Camp Lejeune. There are personnel behind the scenes who make sure everything runs smoothly. The FRCS Cyber Operations Group has set up networks in a cyber-safe way to monitor building needs and security throughout MCB Camp Lejeune.
“We're bringing these buildings onto the network in cyber and securing them so that people can remotely monitor them,” said James Mahoney, director of the FRCS Cyber Operations Group.
“We're currently bringing over 400 buildings to be online and then on top of that, we're bringing a $22 million scheme to upgrade for water and wastewater,” said Mahoney.
Mahoney manages the FRCS Cyber Operations Group that helps find vulnerabilities while creating mitigation plans and procedures to counteract any potential threat.
With industrial control system hacks on the rise, being able to have a solid defense by practicing cyber security is the first step to preventing cyberattacks on Marines and installations.
“It's not much different than the Marine having to dig in a defense, or defense on the battlefield when you're having to cover all avenues of approach,” said Mahoney. “What we do on a day-in and day-out basis is no different. We're literally covering all those avenues of approach. How can a person gain entry into a facility? What vulnerabilities does it have? Are there ports that people can gain access through? Are there back doors?”
The protection of individually controlled data both in the workplace and at home is the responsibility of every Marine and Sailor. Safe practices protect your data and ensure vital systems are secured and able to function allowing Marines and Sailors to be ready for the fight.