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Unauthorized USB devices a no-go for base computers

  • Published
  • By 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  For several years now, the use of most universal serial bus and removable secondary storage devices have been banned for use with government computers.

But people still keep using them in the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. Whenever an unauthorized USB device is connected, the device's serial number, the logged-in user and the computer information is recorded for follow-on action.

"For the most part, we are seeing a trend where authorized RSSD users log off and leave their computer without disconnecting their USB device; afterward, users who have not been cleared to use that very USB device, log into the same computer and they get flagged by AFCENT NOSC (Network Operations and Security Center)," said Edis Siljegovic, 386th AEW Information Assurance manager. "Additional occurrences of RSSD violations are where users come across random USB devices and plug them into the computer to check their content. USB charging is yet another illustration of RSSD violations. These are mostly iPods, iPads, iPhones, watches, etc."

Per wing sent in February, users who violate the USB/RSSD policy will have their account locked, as well as be reported to their unit commander and their IA officer. Violators will also have to re-accomplish the Department of Defense Information Awareness and Air Force Information Protection training in the communication focal point before their account privileges will be restored.

For more information, or to find out how to get approvals for a USB device, contact the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron Information Assurance Office at 442-7441.