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The Defense Information Systems Agency will be conducting a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection, Dec. 13-17.
Throughout the inspection, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, will be evaluated on the cyber readiness of every device connected to the network. It is important that Whiteman AFB passes inspections like these as it shows the continued readiness of the base.
“DISA is the service provider for a lot of Department of Defense networking,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jared Loving, 509th Communications Squadron director of operations. “Since they provide that connection they have the authority and prerogative to inspect the information systems on base.”
Although a majority of the inspection will involve the 509th CS, the rest of the wing can expect to be impacted.
“Cyber security is a team sport, but it’s also an individual sport,” said Robert Jones, 509th Bomb Wing Cyber security Office chief. “Everybody has their own piece to play, but we all have to do it together. Otherwise the whole thing isn’t going to work.”
Jones also stated how everyone plays a part in the inspection and maintaining cyber security.
“Things like taking your common access card with you when you leave your seat, keeping your screens covered up, and things of that nature,” added Jones. “A lot of it is just basic cybersecurity stuff that everyone has to do. It’s simple and I feel like a lot of people are just naturally doing those things anyway. Just continue to be mindful and remind folks if you see something wrong.”
The 509th CS is working diligently to ensure this inspection and future inspections happen without any issues.
“The most important part is patching every computer, phone, and device on this network,” Loving said. “Some of this is run by enterprise units that have control over the wider DoD network. We also enforce local policy like password requirements and startup scripts to meet DISA standards.”
The goal of the CCRI is improve the security of the Department of Defense Information Network and is designed to evaluate a military installation’s overall cybersecurity posture. During the inspection, members from DISA may ask to inspect individual workspaces around Whiteman AFB.
Some actions everyone can take to help the inspection go smoothly are:
1. Ensure NIPR machines are RESTARTED, but not powered off, at least once a week.
2. Ensure SIPR machines and TACLANEs are powered on during the mandatory SIPR up-time.
3. Ensure CACs & SIPR tokens are not left unattended.
4. Digitally sign all emails containing embedded hyperlinks, attachments, or any official information.
5. Do not share or write down passwords.
6. Read all Cyber Security notifications. These contain vital information necessary to networks remain protected at all times.
7. Ensure every computer workstation has a 509BW VA33-1 (509th Bomb Wing Network Incident Reporting Aid) posted nearby.
8. Carefully follow instructions of unit Cyber Security Liaison (CSL) and Unit Security Manager (USM).
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2021 09:53 |
| Story ID: | 408928 |
| Location: | WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 273 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 509th Communications Squadron prepares for Cyber Readiness Inspection, by SrA Bryson Sherard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
