Intelligence Preparation of the Information Battlespace (IPIB)

Working in the DARPA Cyber Panel project and with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/IFGB), Zel Technologies (ZelTech) developed a process called Intelligence Preparation of the Information Battlespace (IPIB). Based on the traditional Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (IPB) found in Army Field Manual 34-140 and Joint Publication 2-03.1, the IPIB process gives analysts the tools to conduct a structured, thorough intelligence preparation of cyberspace for planning and organizing computer network defense (CND). IPIB assists with the production of intelligence estimates, assessments, and other products to support a commander's decision-making. It is a five-step cycle that helps a commander know where to look, when to look, what to expect, and what to defend in cyberspace. ZelTech subsequently developed a software prototype to assist analysts in organizing and analyzing the massive amounts of information required to conduct CND. Our IPIB technology was recently selected by the USA Air Force for integration in their Information Warfare Planning Capability (IWPQ integrated tool set as a CND planning tool.