Air Force nominee may direct cyber readiness review

The Trump administration's Air Force secretary nominee says she’ll consider directing a review of the service's cyber readiness, similar to one conducted by the Navy earlier this year.

In answers to a list of advanced policy questions submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee prior to today's confirmation hearing, Barbara Barrett wrote that a cyber readiness review "makes sense for the Air Force" and said she would consider whether to commission an independent review of the service's cyber practices.

She noted that the Air Force Audit Agency is slated to lead three reviews of the service's cyber hygiene and the cybersecurity of various aircraft and other systems in its inventory.

"These audits will identify where processes should be modified to enhance cybersecurity," she said. "These audits should be evaluated to determine whether they engage with the level of rigor that would uncover systemic deficiencies."

Barrett added that, if confirmed, she will work to create a cyber culture within the Air Force in which "airmen focus on reducing risk instead of fulfilling a paperwork drill."

The Navy released a report on its cyber readiness review in March, recommending the creation of a full-time chief information officer and highlighting a need for more focused cybersecurity resources.