Lou Von Thaer - Cyber resiliency of DOD systems and the need for response at NET-SPEED

Summary: The United States cannot be confident that our critical military systems will work under attack from a sophisticated and well-resourced opponent utilizing cyber capabilities in combination with their military and intelligence capabilities! The network connectivity that the United States has used to tremendous advantage, economically and militarily, over the past 20 years has made the country more vulnerable than ever to cyber attacks. At the same time, our potential adversaries are increasingly capable of conducting such attacks. Containing cyber threats and building a more resilient infrastructure will require a multi-tiered approach at the national level and involve advances in technology, process and policy. Lewis “Lou” Von Thaer is president of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, a position he has held since March 2005. He leads a diverse organization of over 7,000 professionals that provides end-to-end mission systems integration, development and operations support to customers in the defense, intelligence and homeland communities. With a focus on cyber, maritime and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solutions, the company integrates land, air, sea, space and cyber assets to support the strategy and execution of customer missions. Prior to becoming president, Von Thaer served in a variety of senior management positions for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. He was senior vice president of operations where he led the integration of the Veridian and DSR acquisitions, as well as responsibilities for the company’s day-to-day operations. He also served as vice president of engineering and manufacturing where he was responsible for integrating the four key acquisitions that formed the company’s foundation. Von Thaer previously worked at Lucent, which General Dynamics acquired in 1997, and its predecessor, AT&T Bell Laboratories, since 1983. Lou Von Thaer is a member of the Defense Science Board, a federal advisory board that provides the secretary, deputy secretary and under secretary for acquisition, technology and logistics with independent, informed advice and opinion on scientific, technical, manufacturing, acquisition process, and other matters of special interest to the Department of Defense. He serves on the boards of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) and chairs its Cyber Security Council. He also serves on the Virginia For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Advisory Board, a nonprofit organization that design accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. He is on the Engineering Advisory Council for Kansas State University and is a member of numerous professional organizations to include Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), Association of Old Crows (AOC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Surface Navy Association (SNA) and the Optical Society of America. Von Thaer holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Rutgers University.