An Informational Analysis and Communications Squadron Survey of Cyberspace Mission Assurance

Networks under the Air Force's purview are under constant attack from hostile actors. The dependence on these systems by every facet of the Air Force enterprise is more prevalent now than ever before. The realization of these facts has increased the focus on assuring more than the network systems and applications themselves, but instead on the missions that rely so heavily on the systems. The purpose of this research was to investigate the current state of cyber mission assurance efforts and guidance available in both the public and private sector and to establish the realities facing base level units. Specifically, this graduate research project sought to answer two research questions addressing guidance and unit realities: What, if any, regulatory guidance is available, to include processes, procedures, and directives, both public and private? To what extent do base-level units perform cyber mission assurance activities and what factors influence their efforts? The research questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review, and the development and use of a survey.