CCRI: preparedness is key

The 55^th Wing is gearing up for a Cyber Command Readiness Inspection May 23-27.

The inspection, conducted by the Defense Information Systems Agency, will focus on network security, infrastructure, wireless technologies and network defense. Inspectors will also be looking for information on the 55^th Wing’s culture of operational security and information protection.

“It’s an inspection of the wing and all the people in the wing, and how they protect the networks and information,” said Lt. Col. Sarah Cleveland, commander of the 55^th Communications Squadron here. “It just so happens that the communications squadron does a lot of those things, but it’s really a grade for the entire wing as a team.”

The inspectors will be dividing into teams to grade each of the three categories – computer network defense, technical and contributing factors.

“This is a Department of Defense-level inspection,” said Maj. Nicholas Brownheim, director of operations at the 55^th CS. “Just because we’re in compliance with what Air Force says we need to be in compliance with doesn’t matter – we have to be in compliance with what the DOD says.”

While a large part of the inspection will be carried on via the servers in Building D, members of Team Offutt need to be prepared for inspection as well.

“They’ll be checking every single building and visiting people’s individual offices,” Cleveland said. ”If they see an office door open, they’ll just walk in. Having your Common Access Card out on your desk when you aren’t there is an automatic fail. Having your Secret Internet Protocol Router token outside of your pocket or a locked drawer is a fail. Having Personally Identifying Information out on your desk is a fail.”

Failing, according to Tech. Sgt. Nathan Hanmer, section chief of the Network Control Center for the 55^th CS, is not an option.

“If we do poorly enough on this inspection it is entirely possible that they will shut off our base network access until we can fix the issues,” he said. “The DOD has and will always value network security over operational needs.”

Staying on top of procedure is an easy way to ensure network security, said Master Sgt. Mikki Fehnel, section chief of the client service center with the 55^th CS.

“Know where the incident reporting aid is, read the pop-up slides we’re putting out,” he said. “They have good information – we understand they can be wordy at times, but it’s important to know that information. Make sure all media – phones, CDs, external hard drives – are marked with their proper classifications.”

Other tips for network security include:

·         Pull your CAC when you leave your computer

·         Restart your computer at the end of the day

·         Read warnings and pop-ups that appear on your computer

·         Don’t put your password on a note or a text file on your computer – and don’t ever write them down

·         Label all electronics with proper classification

·         Don’t leave PII or sensitive information unprotected

·         Make sure classified documents are properly stored and handled

·         Plug SIPR computers into the network at least three times a week

·         Ensure everyone is filling out night time checklists appropriately

For specific questions about security, please call 294-2666.