Thursday, October 16, 2014
What is it?
Individual cybersecurity awareness focuses on the individual’s understanding of their roles and responsibilities in reducing the occurrence of security incidents that undermine national security and degrade operational capabilities.
Individual awareness allows individuals to review their cybersecurity training, to educate themselves about cybersecurity and to become more aware of cybersecurity and the cyber threats facing the Army, themselves and their family and friends.
Why is this important to the Army?
Cybersecurity is critical to all Army functions. Cyber attacks and user negligence threaten Army networks and information every day, putting Army operations and personnel at risk. Raising individual cybersecurity awareness and enforcing compliance helps improve the Army’s cybersecurity posture and reduces the security risk to the Army.
What has the Army done?
In May 2013, the Army published a handbook to provide leaders at all levels the information and tools needed to address cybersecurity challenges and to ensure that all organizations adopt the practices necessary to protect their information and the Army’s network.
The Army also published the Protect Operational Information Brochure to educate all personnel about operations security and what they can do to reduce cyber risk.
In October 2013, the Army held an Information Assurance/Cybersecurity Awareness Week. This week provided an opportunity to heighten individual and collective knowledge about cybersecurity threats and individuals’ roles and responsibilities in protecting the Army.
What does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army will continue this effort by holding an annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. To maintain access to Army information systems, the Army will continue to require personnel to annually complete their cybersecurity training.
Resources:
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.