If you've had your day derailed by a computer virus, laptop theft, or identity hack, then you know the havoc that these serious "gotcha's" can cause.
The 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron wants to help make sure this doesn't happen to you. We're devoting the month of October - National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) - to giving you the tips and tools to protect yourself from hackers, thieves, phishing, malware and more.
In addition to NCSAM, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is preparing for a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection (CCRI) to the Air Force Network set to occur within the next 12 months. The Wing’s culture and awareness to the cyber threats is a graded area that goes beyond the ECS and touches every Airman assigned to AUAB. Our network is only as strong as the weakest link.
The CCRI assesses several key areas: the entity’s Information Assurance (IA) programs, the Non-classified Internet Protocol Network (NIPRNet), the Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNet), and the digital and physical assets used to support them. Since every unit has physical assets, one can see how this is not just an ECS inspection, but very much a Team AUAB inspection. AUAB will have to work together to be successful.
Because of the interconnectedness of online systems, everyone who uses digital technologies at home or in the office can, and must, play a part in cyber security. For example, if you open a virus-laden e-mail attachment at work, you could infect your entire company's computer network. This has happened multiple times throughout the Department of Defense, but we have stopped many more.
With increased capabilities we must continue being vigilant on our Air Force network and our home networks. NCSAM is designed to engage and educate public and private sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity and increasing the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident.
Throughout the month, the 379 ECS will provide weekly articles with educational tidbits on the following topics:
Week 1: October 1-2 Five Years of STOP.THINK.CONNECT: Best Practices for All Digital Citizens
Week 2: October 5-9 Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity at Work
Week 3: October 13-16 Connected Communities and Families: Staying Protected While We Are Always Connected
Week 4: October 19-23 Your Evolving Digital Life (Internet of Things)
Week 5: October 26-30 Building the Next Generation of Cyber Professionals
Although these five areas are emphasized this month, the overall theme is for everyone to do their part. As we continue to improve security within the Air Force Information Network, it all begins within the 379 AEW. I ask all of you to strengthen your security habits on and off duty since being a vigilant Airman is a 24/7 responsibility.
Here are a few security tips from the 379 ECS:
• Do not allow Internet Explorer to store passwords for you
• The technicians in the Communications Focal Point DO NOT need your password
• Don't use public computers at off base internet cafes or hotels
• Try to avoid using public Wi-Fi
• Turn off your Bluetooth when you're not using it.
October 1 marks the start of the 12th annual NCSAM led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA); the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership focused on helping all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In recognition of how valuable the Internet is in our daily lives and the collective effort needed to protect it, the theme for the month is "Our Shared Responsibility."