TOP STORY >> Cyber security: Every Airman’s responsibility

By Airman 1st Class Grace Nichols

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

More than ever before, the world is connected to a vast cyberspace domain. The internet touches most aspects of daily life. With one click of a mouse or swipe of a finger, people can access volumes of information available to all users. 

This is why it’s imperative for service members and government employees to use their situational awareness when operating within the Department of Defense network, as well as their personal computers. 

“According to the local Little Rock Federal Bureau of Investigations report, the highest cyber threat to us in Arkansas is a cyber-scam of non-payment or non-delivery,” said Master Sgt. Travis Taylor, 19th Communications Squadron Wing Information Office section chief. “This scam cost Arkansas residents $787,181 in 2016 alone.”

October is the month to brush up on online safety as it marks the beginning of National Cyber Security Awareness month. 

“The purpose of this month is to raise awareness and mitigate the threats we face in cyberspace every day,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Presland, 19th CES commander. “We want Airmen to understand that the actions they take online have implications in the real world and that there are bad cyber actors, such as cybercriminals, looking to take advantage of those unprepared.”

Shopping, banking and connecting with loved ones have become normal online activities. As a result, individuals increasingly share more sensitive information that’s highly sought after by cybercriminals – which is why it’s critical to secure network connections.

“One way Airmen can increase their cyber awareness is by performing ‘cyber hygiene,’” Presland said. “That means taking care of those easy, but fundamental, aspects of cybersecurity.”

This includes, but is not limited to:

Ensuring antivirus software and security patches are up-to-date

Not clicking on suspicious links 

Strengthening passwords

Removing common access cards from computers

Encrypting emails 

Configuring privacy settings on social media accounts

Securing cell phones with password protection

“Cybercriminals will use any vulnerability that exists on your computer’s software or infrastructure in order to compromise your machine,” Presland said. “By taking those fundamental steps, you are one-step ahead of the adversary.”

The goal is to secure Little Rock Air Force Base’s network and ensure outside threats do not gain access to information that could compromise base security and its resources. 

“Everybody has a piece in ensuring the cyberspace domain remains a safe and secure space to operate within,” Presland said. “From the newest Airmen to the highest ranking official, if we don’t take vital steps to make sure everyone understands the threats, then we are at risk of adding to those vulnerabilities.”

Virtually every mission across the range of military operations depends on cybersecurity. 

“Just like air, space and land, we must have command and control of cyberspace,” Presland said. “We can’t launch aircraft if digital systems are compromised, hacked or brought down, because we lose that vital command and control feature across the base.” 

Every time Airmen connect to a network, whether at home or at work, decisions are made that affect cybersecurity. From the information Airmen choose to share, to the links they click, online activities can either enable or prevent attacks and intrusions.

For more information, visit www.stopthinkconnect.org 

(Information courtesy of U.S. Air Force story by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron)