scope:

Purpose.

The Air Force conducts ESSAs using the CDA WS to support OPSEC analysis of protection measures for AF Core Functions. ESSA monitoring involves the collection and analysis of information transmitted via DOD electronic communication systems. These systems can include radios, wired or wireless telephones, and computer networks. ESSA products help commanders evaluate their organization's Information, Personnel and Industrial Security practices; COMSEC, Wing Cybersecurity office, and OPSEC posture by determining the amount and type of information available to adversary collection entities.

The AF monitors, collects, and analyzes information from DOD electronic communications systems to determine if any critical or classified information transmitted via unsecured and unprotected systems could adversely affect US (and allied/coalition) operations.

CDA operations are an integral part of AF OPSEC, Information Operations (IO), and Red Teaming. It is a very effective tool to identify real world problems that can adversely affect the warfighter's effectiveness. During assessments, items such as stereotyped patterns or administrative, technical, and physical security procedures routinely surface as possible sources of intelligence losses.