// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Computer Network Defense

Computer Network Defense (CND) involves the actions taken to protect, monitor, analyze, detect, and respond to unauthorized activity within computer networks and information systems. It's essentially the cybersecurity shield that guards a network against hackers and cyberattacks.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Computer Network Defense (CND) is a set of cybersecurity measures and operations within military and government frameworks, focused on protecting, monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats against information systems and computer networks. CND integrates tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and incident response protocols to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical digital assets against unauthorized access and malicious activity.

BACKGROUND

The Defense Data Network (DDN) was a computer networking effort of the United States Department of Defense from 1983 through 1995. It was based on ARPANET technology.

READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Cyber Defense
  • Network Security
  • Information Assurance (IA)
  • Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO)
  • Cybersecurity Operations
  • Network Protection

USAGE NOTE

In military contexts, CND is a core component of the broader Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) mission set.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Computer Network Defense.

  • U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM)

    A unified combatant command of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for directing, synchronizing, and coordinating cyberspace planning and operations to defend and advance national interests.

  • National Security Agency (NSA)

    As part of its Information Assurance mission, the NSA develops and deploys advanced cybersecurity technologies, cryptographic systems, and network defense protocols to protect U.S. national security systems and military networks.

  • Northrop Grumman

    A major defense contractor that provides a full spectrum of cyber solutions, including advanced network defense, cyber resilience, and secure communications technology for military and intelligence community clients.

  • Raytheon (RTX)

    Develops advanced cyber defense capabilities, including automated threat detection, analytics, and persistent monitoring solutions designed to protect critical military infrastructure and networks from sophisticated attacks.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Provides cyber-resilient systems and solutions for defense customers, focusing on threat intelligence, active cyber defense, and secure network engineering to protect platforms, weapons systems, and command-and-control networks.

  • BAE Systems

    The Applied Intelligence division offers national security and defense agencies technologies for threat intelligence, network monitoring, and cyber defense to counter advanced persistent threats and protect critical data.

  • General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)

    A leading provider of IT and cybersecurity services to the U.S. military and federal agencies, offering network defense, security operations center (SOC) management, and cyber analytics to secure defense networks.

  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory

    A federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that conducts research in advanced technologies for national security, including developing novel architectures and tools for resilient and secure military computer networks.

  • Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)

    A U.S. Department of Defense combat support agency that provides, operates, and assures command and control and information-sharing capabilities, including providing cybersecurity and network defense for the DoD Information Network (DoDIN).

RELATED TERMS IN ELECTRONIC & CYBER WARFARE