Legal Definitions - DISA

DISA stands for the Defense Information Systems Agency.

DISA is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) agency responsible for providing information technology (IT) and communications support to the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, military services, combatant commands, and other federal agencies. Essentially, DISA builds, operates, and defends the global information grid that enables military operations and government functions worldwide. This includes everything from secure networks and cloud computing to cybersecurity and telecommunications services.

• Example 1: Supporting a Military Deployment

  When a U.S. military unit deploys to a remote overseas location for an exercise or operation, they need reliable and secure communication channels to coordinate with headquarters and other units. DISA would be responsible for establishing and maintaining the necessary satellite links, secure internet access, and encrypted voice communication systems. This ensures that commanders can send and receive sensitive information safely and efficiently, regardless of their physical location.

  Explanation: This example illustrates DISA's core mission of providing critical IT and communications infrastructure to support military operations globally, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for deployed forces.

• Example 2: Developing Cybersecurity Defenses

  Imagine a new, sophisticated cyber threat emerges that targets government computer networks. DISA's cybersecurity experts would be at the forefront, analyzing the threat and developing new defensive measures. They might create updated security protocols, deploy advanced intrusion detection systems, or implement new software patches across the DoD's vast network to protect against the specific vulnerabilities exploited by the threat.

  Explanation: This highlights DISA's crucial role in developing and implementing cybersecurity solutions to protect the nation's critical information infrastructure from evolving digital threats and ensuring the integrity of government data.

• Example 3: Providing Cloud Services for Government Agencies

  A non-military federal agency, such as the Department of Energy, needs to migrate its extensive research data and applications to a more modern, secure, and scalable cloud environment. DISA could provide the secure cloud computing platform and expertise, ensuring that the data is hosted in a compliant, resilient, and protected infrastructure. This allows the agency to leverage advanced computing resources without having to build and manage its own complex data centers.

  Explanation: This demonstrates DISA's broader function in offering shared IT services, including secure cloud platforms, to various government entities, leveraging its expertise and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and security across the federal landscape.