Ronald C. Durbin

Ronald C. Durbin serves as an Instructor at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) School of Systems and Logistics at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. He develops and teaches continuing education courses focused on cybersecurity risk assessment and mitigation in weapons systems. His expertise bridges military operations, information assurance, and academic instruction.

Education:

• Master of Science, Electrical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology (1983)
• Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, University of Missouri – Rolla (1975)
• Air War College (Seminar), Maxwell AFB (1996)
• Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA (1991)
• Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB (1991)
• Supply Officer Basic Course, Lackland AFB (1995)
• USAF Master Instructor, Lackland AFB (1981)
• Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) (2011)

Ronald C. Durbin specializes in cybersecurity risk assessment for military weapon systems. His research interests include applying Risk Management Framework (RMF) to weapons platforms, cyber resiliency for military systems, and blockchain applications for securing the weapon system supply chain. He actively contributes to the Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapon Systems (CROWS) Line of Action 3 initiatives to build education for the Air Force's cyber workforce. His work focuses on practical implementation of security frameworks in military contexts.

Durbin's publications demonstrate a progression from foundational Windows security topics to specialized cybersecurity risk management for defense systems. His recent work focuses specifically on weapon system cybersecurity, reflecting the growing importance of cyber resiliency in military platforms. The publications show a transition from general IT security to defense-specific applications, with increasing emphasis on risk assessment frameworks tailored to military needs.

Scientific Awards:

• Member Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society
• Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)

As an instructor, Durbin develops and teaches courses SYS341 (Cyber Risk Assessment of Weapon System Platform IT) and WKSP0690 (Cyber Risk Assessment Workshop). He has partnered with AFLCMC/EZA to develop methods for assessing and mitigating cybersecurity risk of Air Force weapons. His extensive background as a Risk Management Framework subject matter expert and systems engineer provides practical insights for his students, who are primarily military personnel responsible for weapon system security.

Durbin works with AFIT/ENS to apply blockchain and related technologies to securing the weapon system supply chain. His industry experience includes serving as a Risk Management Framework subject matter expert supporting the Miniature Munitions Directorate and Air Launched Weapons Directorate, and as a systems engineer and Information Assurance Manager for Digital Dagger where he deployed Electronic Flight Bags to AFSOC aircrews.