Step 2: Preview ELITE
To prepare for the fast-paced cyber battles in ELITE, the first step is to watch the introductory video titled “ELITE Overview.” This is the first of three videos that will prepare and guide you in completing the tabletop exercise.
Once you have viewed the video, begin familiarizing yourself with the contents of both the Application Model Reference and the ELITE Student Manual. Begin to learn about ELITE and your assigned sector by reading sections in the student manual: “2.1. Themes” through “2.5.2. Team Goals.” This will give you an overview of the exercise and your team’s objectives and perspectives. For an idea of decisions that will need to be made relevant to your sector, see the appropriate table in “3. Decision Reference” in the Application Model Reference.
After you finish the video and reading, proceed to the next step, in which your team will address policies in your sector at the federal and state levels.
Step 3: Compare Federal and State Policies (3 pages)
In the previous step, you were provided with a video and reference materials that gave you an overview of the tabletop exercise and the sector assigned to you. Now, each team will need to prepare a brief, itemized list of cybersecurity policy issues as it applies to the team’s assigned sector. After completing the list, with the same industry-specific focus, each team will write a two- to three-page Federal and State Policy Comparison report that compares federal policies with individual state standards that might exist.
Take Action
Submit your assignment to your instructor for review and feedback.
Follow these steps to access the assignment:
- Click Activities and Assessments in the top navigation bar.
- Click Assignments.
- Select the relevant assignment.
After submitting the completed Federal and State Policy Comparison, review the next three steps, which focus on the creation of practical solutions to a solid, nationwide cyber defense.
Step 4: Analyze the Interrelations in Cybersecurity (3 pages)
The swift pace of ELITE, which simulates the pace of cyberattacks, disaster response, and other events affecting cybersecurity in general, requires the rapid creation of a solid cyber defense strategy. Analyze the interrelations between cybersecurity technology decisions and the cyber policies submitted in the previous step. Incorporate aspects of security operations, in which your team will identify the policies and roles of players in the sector, and build the defense strategy to accomplish the mission and provide for sector-wide secure infrastructure.
As a team, create a two- to three-page brief on the expected relationships, especially regarding your sector. The first page should include an overview of your assigned sector. This analysis will be included in a team sector brief, submitted in a later step.
Each team should share these recommendations with the other industry teams for feedback and comparison as you move to the next step of the project to look at the impact these policy decisions have on research and development. A designated team member should post the document to the ELITE Industries Sharing Discussion in the Discussions List within the CYB 670 classroom.
Support Your Analysis
Support your recommendations and comparisons with an accurate and honest analysis. Remember, the intent is to help each other with decisions, strategy, and improvement in a respectful and fair manner.
Step 5: Analyze the Impact of Policy on Research and Development (2 pages)
Once again from the perspective of your assigned sector, write one to two pages on the impact of federal and state policies on research and development of cybersecurity solutions. This analysis will be included in the team sector brief submitted in a later step.
To prepare for a unified defense of the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyberattack, distribute your findings with the other teams. A designated team member should post the document to the ELITE Industries Sharing Discussion in the Discussions List within the CYB 670 classroom.
Step 6: Prepare for ELITE
As a team, and a collection of industries, continue preparing to defend against potential cyberattacks and other critical events affecting cybersecurity. The “Preparation for ELITE” video has been provided to help you understand the pace of things to come.
After viewing the video, read “2.9. CSS Details” through “3.1. Flow Details” of the Student Manual for ELITE and “4. Indicator Reference” and “5. Cross-Team Module” of the Application Model Reference to familiarize yourself with the components and flow of the exercise.
Step 7: Analyze Key Elements of NIST Standards and Submit the Team Report (2 pages)
You have analyzed the linkage between technologies and the impacts of these relationships. Now, you will analyze the aspect of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards for cloud computing as it affects your sector and complete the team sector brief.
Write another brief, one to two pages, that addresses some of the following questions:
- Is cloud computing a good “fit” for your industry?
- How does it benefit a cybersecurity solution?
- Should it apply across all industries?
Combine this information with the brief papers from the prior steps to create a three- to five-page Team Sector Brief. Your brief should also consider how your decisions might support other sectors. Introduce this brief with the one-page overview of your sector.
Take Action
Submit your assignment to your instructor for review and feedback.
Follow these steps to access the assignment:
- Click Activities and Assessments in the top navigation bar.
- Click Assignments.
- Select the relevant assignment.
After you have submitted your report to the CISO, share your work with the other teams to continue the cross-industry development you will use as ELITE gets under way in the next few steps. A designated team member should post the document to the ELITE Industries Sharing Discussion in the Discussions List within the CYB 670 classroom.