The Information Assurance Technology Analysis Center (IATAC) Information Assurance (IA) Analysts and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) provided analysis in the development of three National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) System and Network Security Special Publications. NIST (under the Department of Commerce) is a federal technology agency whose mission is to promote US innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology. The NIST Computer Security Division (CSD) requires IA expertise in the development of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPs) and Special Publications (SP) for computer security in order to ensure these products are appropriate and responsive to the government’s needs.

The Information Assurance Technology Analysis Center (IATAC) information assurance (IA) and system security subject matter experts (SMEs) provided IA research and analysis in the development of a Malicious Activity Discovery Methodology, a Malicious Activity Tool and a Malicious Activity Discovery Tool Report for the Air Force Information Operations Center (AFIOC). AFIOC plays a vital role in developing IA and defensive information operations (DIO) capabilities for aerospace and joint forces. As part of its mission, AFIOC focuses on network protection, vulnerability assessments, and risk mitigation. IATAC’s analysis was a key to providing the AFIOC with scientific and technical expertise to integrate IA into its role as an applied research center.