Cyber readiness is everyones job

  • Published
  • By Maj. Michael Wells
  • Commander, 482nd Communications Squadron
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The 482nd Communications Squadron is in the final stages of preparation for their Command Cyber Readiness Inspection scheduled for Aug. 4-8.

The CCRI is a triennial inspection conducted by the Defense Information Systems Agency to assess the compliance status and operational readiness of Homestead's Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router known as NIPR. It will also assess the Secure Internet Protocol Router, or SIPR, as well as traditional and physical security of base facilities.

Bottom line, DISA is here to ensure our network is protected from the enemy!

What you may not realize is, just like a unit compliance inspection or operational readiness inspection, all personnel who use the Air Force Network whether it's NIPR or SIPR play a critical role in the preparations and ultimately the overall score the base receives.

All users can assist the communications squadron through the following activities:

- Leave your NIPR machines powered-up at the end of the duty day and fully log out.

- Follow proper operational security guidelines.

For Organizational Information Assurance Officers, the communications squadron has sent out a series of guidance documents and request that OIAOs:

- Follow Information Assurance, Emanation Security, Communication Security, and Computer Security guidelines.

- Conduct spot checks of your unit to ensure compliance; Clean Desk Policy and proper classification labeling.

- Completely log off computers at the end of each day. Do not just pull your Common Access Card and remain logged in.

- Do not leave your CAC in the card reader when you are away from your computer. Pull your CAC to lock your workstation. It's a helpful process practice keeping your CAC within arm's reach.

- Always digitally sign messages with hyperlinks and attachments. Be cautious of phishing attempts when receiving emails with links and attachments that are not digitally signed.

During the CCRI itself, there should be minimal impact to the average end-user. With that said, users may experience latency or other delays in reaching network resources as vulnerability scanning is conducted by the inspectors.

Additionally, inspectors will visit base facilities to assess physical security and may conduct interviews of unit personnel. If questioned by an inspector, do not make up an answer; refer the inspector to your OIAO or to the communications squadron.