REMOTE OPERATIONS STUDY TEAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91B00060R000100160019-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 24, 2013
• Sequence Number: 19
• Publication Date: August 25, 1988
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
'' STAT
ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY
2 5 AUG ~ggg
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Information Technology, DA
STAT
Chief, Information Management S~dLL. ~~
SUBJECT: Remote Operations Study Team
REFERENCE: Your memo, dtd 10 August 1988, Subject: Future
of the DO Computer Center (OIT-10258-88)
1. Per your request in the reference, I have assigned the
following individuals to represent IMS on your team studying remote
operations concepts and procedures:
STAT
STAT
2, ~ has been designated the senior IMS
representative.
STAT
Attachment: Reference
ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY
,~
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
 f \ ~~
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
i AllM1N15'l'KA'C1Vt; - .LN'L'I:NNAL USf: ON~Y 1-+ ~
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STAT'
OIT-10258-88
1 0 AUG 1988
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Information Management Staff, DO
FROM: Edward J. Maloney
Director of Information Technology
SUBJECT: Future of the DO Computer Center
STAT REFERENCE: Your Memo, dtd 17 June 88, same subject
It is unfortunate, in our view, that you did not accept the proposed mode
of remote operation. We believe the main features of remote operation will be
mutually beneficial, and hope that the concept can be embraced by you in
principle while we jointly address legitimate concerns and issues such as .
security. Toward that end we plan to ,systematically review remote operation
concepts and procedures, and request that you identify one or more IMS
STAT representatives to serve as part of the team.? I have asked
Deputy Chief, Operations Group to review and report back to me on a ?regu ar
basis, starting 30 September. I hope you will join us in this effort; my
expectation is that a joint effort can address all the issues and improve our
service to the D0.
STAT
.. war a one
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.~
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
L0~~131LS U ~ ~r)~r~
1 7 JUN 1909
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Information Technology, DA
STAT FROM:
Chief, Information Management Staff, DO
SUBJECT:
Future of the DO Computer Center
STAT 1. Following a recent presentation by
proposing, remote operation of DO computer systems rom the new
building, IMS conducted a review of security, space, and
method of operation for the DO computer systems. While there
are some advantages to this proposal, on balance we believe
that there are compelling reasons to maintain those functions
within the DO Computer Center. Therefore, we cannot accept
the proposed mode of operation. There are other issues which
also warrant further discussion. These issues fall into four
major groups:
A. Security Enhancements.
B. Space for Future Growth.-
C. System Availability.
D. Staffing.
2. Security Enhancements: It is paramount that we
continue to evaluate and ~o improve physical protection and
access to the DO Computer Center. The number of people who
have unescorted access needs to be kept to an absolute minimum
of only those who require frequent access. Continued use of
the badge machine for validating and recording authorized
access is essential. Review of tape-handling procedures is
necessary to determine where improvements can be made, to
include periodic inventories and validation of tape-accounting
information. System backup and vital records tapes need
particular attention to provide for improvements for alternate
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
3-~-Space for Future Growth: Based upon our review, the
STAT Center layout for the DO Center, as proposed by
JIHI should allow for five years oQ growth. One signs ci arit
.concern is the use of "crime" space for the UPS. We feel
strongly that the UPS should be placed in the basement rather
than occupy spa h DO Center. This will help us extend
STAT the life of the Center for Da computer needs. With
careful placemen o .e initial equipment within the center,
we can avoid costly moves in the future. If the need for
temporary office space within the center~is really required,
it should be placed so that it can easily be removed for
expansions of storage devices. There are a few, special, very
sensitive mini-computers worth consideration for inclusion
within a protected area within the new DO Center.- This would
allow for centralization of the computers that need "computer
room" environments while. also continuing use of our biometric
access controls.
storage. Distribution methods for hard-copy products to
enforce compartmentation (need-to-know) policies need to be
reviewed. Continuous review of those individuals with "super
user" level of access is essential, and we should also
consider enforcement of minimum two-person access controls.
4. System Availability: We must strive to improve the
interaction and working arrangements between the IMS 24-hour
teams and OIT operations personnel to achieve fewer system
outages and faster action to address problems. Our staffs
have access to different monitoring devices and tools which
can aid a cooperative and interactive working relationship.
we propose periodic information-sharing sessions to improve
the understanding of each others capabilities and expertise.
Review and monitoring of the call-in procedures for problems
that need programmer assistance is also necessary. These
calls are sometimes delayed beyond what we consider a
reasonable time .and hare caused extended down time. DO
customers with critical missions access the system 24 hours a
day and weekends, too, making it essential that problems be
diagnosed early and corrected swiftly.
5. Staffing: These issues are related to both security
and continuity. of service. IMS has long thought that
operations staffing should be done by a consistent set of
teams to operate the center seven days a week, supplementing
only to cover leave and training. This would reduce the size
of the operations staff that needs access to our ,compartmented
center as is .currently.: required to cover the weekend practice
of volunteer staffing. ;t would also create a consistent and
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8
ADMINISTATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY
STAT
closer-working relationship between the DO and OIT shift
`teams. The operators would have a better understanding of the
'applications that run in the DO systems and acquire an ability
to spot abnormal behavior more quickly. We ask that strong
consideration be given to this issue.
6. We have a team addressing these issues now and sta^d
ready to work with you. Common goals of improved security,
future growth, and better level of service can be achieved
through an intensified cooperative effort to address and
resolve these issues.
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24 :CIA-RDP91 B00060R000100160019-8