CRANE, Ind. – A Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) employee has created a software tool that implements required security checks automatically, increasing efficiency by more than 90 percent and saving around $600-thousand a year. The team currently working on this tool has expanded its capability to support warfare centers across the country.
Isaac Phillips, a Linux Administrator at NSWC Crane, started the process to make this tool three years ago.
“Initially, I created this to help save myself a lot of time,” says Phillips. “Previously, the required security checks were a manual process that took a week to conduct the 260 individual configurations. That process could be very involved and time consuming. This tool cuts that week of manual labor down to 30 minutes and allows the individual to simply monitor the process.”
Phillips says, when it comes to technical work, these kinds of process improvements are very important.
“The automation also reduces the possibility of human error while leaving our technical experts more time to do critical technical work for the warfighter.”
NSWC Crane systems comply with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) security protocols, or Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and Security Requirements Guides (SRGs). Adhering to these protocols ensures all Department of Defense (DoD) computer systems are secure and safe for sailors and marines all over the world.
Phillips says the software automation tool he created is specific for Linux-based operating systems and applications.
“Most people are familiar with Windows-based systems, as they are commonly used by the workforce in both government and industry,” says Phillips. “But there are many who use Linux-based systems, which are an open source platform that can be configured specifically for unique capabilites like running large databases, application development, or artificial intelligence technology.”
Phillips says many Linux administrators typically make their own tools, but this tool stood out.
“Until recently, this tool was specifically built for Crane and our configuration,” says Phillips. “Then, other warfare centers saw the value in it and requested it, so our team revised the tool and made it universal for others to use. Our team in the Information Technology Division is willing to share this software automation tool because we want to help others improve future processes as well.”
About NSWC Crane
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.
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