Sheppard revs up computer security

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Today attacks against the United States no longer come from the land, sea or air.

The U.S. military must remain vigilant against a number of threats, including the growing world of cyberspace.

Team Sheppard is doing its part in securing our information lines with a number of measures to ensure information technology remains secure.

"Every network has vulnerabilities," said Capt. Derick Miller, commander of 82nd Communications Squadron Information Systems flight. "These are just ways to tighten security."

Security measures on Sheppard aren't just for safeguarding itself though. What Team Sheppard does to secure its own network can have far reaching effects.

"The 'bad guys' out there are looking for commands or organizations they can get access to," said Senior Master Sgt. Randolph Mitchell, superintendent of the 82nd CS ISF. "Through them, they can get access to the Department of Defense."

Measures already implemented at Sheppard include the required use of a common access card and pin number to access the network.

"The CAC cards are more secure because in the past they'd just have to have a user name and password, now they have to have a card and pin number," Captain Miller said. "It sets up a physical barrier for security."

While the 82nd CS will continue working to secure Sheppard, network users can do some small things to help them.

Sergeant Mitchell said things as simple as not sharing passwords and knowing who sent an e-mail are very important.

The 82nd CS is continually releasing security tips through out the base and users can help by reading and following them, Captain Miller said.

In the end, it is up computer users to ensure Sheppard's network stays safe.

"Our biggest vulnerability is our users," Captain Miller said.