National Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds everyone to keep all information safe

By Vanessa Villarreal (USFOR-A)October 19, 2015

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, October 16, 2015--Realizing the importance of cybersecurity, President Obama designated October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the number of reported cyber incidents involving federal and state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies increased by 26 percent between 2012 and 2013, from approximately 158,000 incidents to 218,000 incidents.

Following a few steps can keep your information safe inside and outside of the workplace. According to Master Sgt. Jermaine Britton, NCOIC at Bagram Airfield's Tech Support Section, keeping our systems and network secure is the responsibility of every user on the network. He said everyone needs to adhere to the authorized use policies, become familiar with the cyber directives and, most importantly, pay close attention to daily activities while using the networks.

"Lock or log off your workstation, update security patches as needed, do not ignore update requests, and reboot your systems to ensure updates are applied," he said. "The compromise of PII is another issue. At all cost avoid having PII on your NIPR workstation or in emails unless necessary. And, if that's the case, then use extreme caution and become familiar with the methods of protecting sensitive items on NIPR."

It's important that you only open email attachments and links from people you know or digitally-signed emails. When in doubt, he added, don't click on links or attachments you aren't sure of.

USFOR-A has yearly training requirements in country that need to be met: CENTCOM Cross Domain Violation, CENTCOM Discharge of Classified Information, and DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge.

Britton and his office of three ensure that all USFOR-A cyber directives for network access are met by making sure that all user accounts meet all requirements. It also ensures that all systems are properly configured, meet the standards, and are authorize for use on our networks.

"Systems include workstation, printers, and multifunctional devices like digital senders," he said. "I'm also responsible for educating our information management officers from each directorate, along with users new to the organization on the do's and don'ts associated with network access."

Britton said people can submit a trouble ticket through the portal page or "most people just walk in." His office gets about 30 calls every day and about 10 to 15 tickets in its daily queue.

"The turnaround time depends on the work that needs to be done," he said. "But we put a 72- hour turnaround on all tickets to give enough time since there are only a few people in Tech Support that take care of over 250 personnel."

Diana Toussaint, Tech Support lead, said to be cautious about what you receive or read online, set strong passwords, and limit the amount of personal information you post online.

"The Department of Homeland Security lists some good tips to follow," she said. "It's also important for all of us to work together to keep work and home information secure."

Simple Tips from the Department of Homeland Security

1. Lock and password protect all personal and agency-owned devices including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This includes locking your computer when you step away from your desk at work. You may not always know the people walking around your office and what their intentions are. Encrypt data and use two-factor authentication where possible.

2. Regularly scan your computer for viruses and spyware and keep your software up to date.

3. Dispose of sensitive information properly and according to your organization's policies.

4. Do not provide personal information or information about your organization, including its structure or networks, unless you are certain of a person's authority to have the information.

5. Take advantage of cybersecurity training offered by your department or agency.

6. Conceal your work badge and identification when outside of your office building, especially when out in public or when using public transportation.

(Source: http://www.dhs.gov/)

Related Links:

Department of Homeland Security