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Army observes Information Assurance/Cyber Security Week: Oct. 14-18

By U.S. ArmyOctober 11, 2013

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 10, 2013) -- The Army will observe an Information Assurance/Cyber Security Awareness Week beginning Oct. 14, as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

As part of the week, commanders will highlight Information Assurance/cyber security awareness programs with their personnel, along with individuals' roles and responsibilities in protecting the Army against cybersecurity threats.

In February 2013, the secretary of the Army directed all commanders -- brigade and above -- to perform Information Assurance, known as IA, self-assessments and report their findings to their command. Commands then reported the top three areas of weakness within their organizations to Army headquarters, and developed training plans to address the weaknesses. This was completed in July.

The secretary also mandated an IA/Cyber Security Awareness Week during October 2013, when commanders would highlight their IA/cyber security awareness programs with their personnel.

After Feb. 1, 2014, commanders will assess their plans of action and milestones and determine whether any adjustments are necessary to continually improve IA/cyber security awareness and security practices.

The Army's CAC-enabled IA One-Stop Shop provides training resources to include contingency planning, wireless/personal electronic device security, IT/IA training, and incident handling and reporting. In May, the Army published a handbook addressing cyber security challenges and practices to protect information and the Army network.

If their employees are on furlough, commanders have the discretion to postpone training until more employees return to work.

Related Links:

Army CIO/G-6

Army On Cyber Patrol -- comics

Army Releases New Leaders Handbook on Cyber Security

Army.mil: Inside the Army News

STAND-TO!: Information Assurance/Cybersecurity Awareness

Department of Homeland Security: Cyber Security Awareness Month

IA One Stop Shop (CAC required)