The Foreign Service Journal, January-February 2014

20 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL shift since 9/11 from “need to know” to “need to share.” Information collabora- tion certainly has value, but it must be smart—and regulated. Whether sharing information via social media or for joint strategic planning with other agencies, we must protect it. A recent Office of the Inspector General report stated that without greater control and oversight of the Netcentric Diplomacy Application, which permits sharing classi- fied cables via the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, another WikiLeaks-like disaster is not just possible, but likely. Until that vulnerability is eliminated, infor- mation-sharing through that application should immediately cease. The Past as Prologue IRM officers are a proud group of professionals with the expertise and commitment to achieve all the techno- logical objectives to make E.O. 13636 a reality—given the resources. An elite team of diplomatic couriers stands ready to do its part, as well. But implementing new approaches to IRM program strat- egy, along with a new CIO security focus, will demand resolve—and the courage to help divine the future. A renewed State Department commit- ment to enhancing information security can be a microcosm for what’s possible across America’s increasingly digital landscape. In 1775 Benjamin Franklin rec- ognized that the new nation would need to enshrine openness and trust among its values. But he also persuaded the Conti- nental Congress to keep “secret journals” of his committee’s actions to help secure America’s liberty. Our first diplomat knew that secur- ing liberty would at times demand secret diplomacy. For today’s Foreign Service, that past must be prologue. n A time of service…a time of need Help for Seniors May Be Just a Phone Call Away— Home Health Care Adult Day Care & Respite Care Prescription Drug Copayments Transportation to Medical Appointments Durable Medical Equipment For more information, please contact the SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE 1716 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-2902 Phone: (202) 887-8170 Fax: (202) 872-9320 E-Mail : info@SLFoundation.org Web Site: www.SLFoundation.org The Senior Living Foundation may be able to help you or someone you know. Some examples of assistance are: SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION