ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- For the past year, Amanda Kovacs has been assigned as the AEDC TEMPEST, or Emissions Security, manager.

As TEMPEST manager she oversees the TEMPEST program, which identifies vulnerabilities in information systems processing classified information that could result in compromising emanations and the possible interception of these emanations.

Kovacs is the first government civilian to serve as AEDC TEMPEST manager, and Clark Brandon, deputy director of the AEDC Test Support Division, said though she’s only been in her position about a year so far, she’s already contributed a great deal.

“Her attention to detail, persistence and hard work have helped her to make a positive and immediate impact to the AEDC cybersecurity program,” he said.

Brandon added he has also shown adeptness and diversity in skill as alternate AEDC Communications Security (COMSEC) manager.
“She completed her training and prepared herself to take on all COMSEC manager responsibilities as they are required. Her abilities were displayed this past April when she was a key contributor in helping the AEDC cybersecurity team prepare for three major inspections. She consistently ensures that her work is complete down to the smallest details.”

Brandon further commended Kovacs for consistently monitoring and updating changes that occur in the AEDC test facilities.

“Her assessments and documentation are critical to maintaining a proper cybersecurity posture and protecting critical information,” he said. “She carries a mission first attitude and has unquestionably become a critical member of the AEDC and Air Force cybersecurity team.”

According to Kovacs, some of the skills and experience gained through her past careers prepared her for her new position.

“I was active duty Air Force for around nine years, then I was a contractor at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., working Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system administration for four years,” she said. “After that I was the site supervisor for Lockheed Martin, supporting Army Corp of Engineers in Seattle, Wash. Once that contract was over, I had the chance to take a position on the Microsoft Campus in Redmond, Wash., supporting Windows Azure.”

She said it was during this time when the opportunity at Arnold Air Force Base came open.

“I jumped at it, I am originally from Buchanan, Tenn., and had been looking for a way to get home to Tennessee for years,” she said.

Her long-term goal is to start working on her Master’s degree in cybersecurity next spring.

“I really think I would eventually like to branch out a bit further in the cybersecurity team. But for now I’m really just enjoying my current program.”

-AEDC-