CCRI will be here Jan. 6; top 5 things you need to know

  • Published
  • 82d Communications Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Members of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) will be at Sheppard Jan. 6-10, 2014, to conduct a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection (CCRI).

Inspectors will be evaluating Sheppard's cyber security posture to ensure the installation is doing its part to make the cyber domain a safer place to perform the mission. Inspectors will also assess Sheppard's compliance with Department of Defense (DOD) Information Assurance policies as well as traditional and physical security standards.

The ultimate goal is to validate that our network security posture meets or exceeds DOD standards as well as ensuring classified and sensitive information created, transmitted, and stored is protected from unauthorized disclosure.

The primary focus of the inspection will be centered on the 82d Communications Squadron and network facilities that house critical network components and classified systems. However all Sheppard personnel will be instrumental in ensuring a successful inspection. This can be accomplished by users embracing and employing good computer, network security, and information security practices.

Protecting our networks and information requires all users to fully embrace a secure cyber culture. Users must thoroughly understand and uphold their responsibility to protect our network and the data it processes. Below are a list of tips users should keep in mind to ensure their computers, information and areas are secure: 
  • Know your Unit Security Managers and your Information Assurance Officers
  • Lock computers and remove common access cards when leaving the system unattended
  • Never leave a classified computer unattended unless it's in an area formally approved for open storage of classified information
  • Never open e-mail attachments from unknown senders
  • Never share your passwords or PIN with anyone
  • Never connect any cellular phone, i-Pad, or BlackBerry device to your computer via USB
  • Protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data by encrypting e-mail and files
  • Report spam and scams to your unit Information Assurance Officer; don't forward them
  • Always secure your office area when empty and departing at the end of the day
  • Challenge anyone in your areas that you do not recognize; find out why they are there and determine the reason is legitimate; report suspicious personnel to your unit security manager
  •  Ensure positive access control procedures are followed at all times; control the movement of visitors in your areas and facilities; provide escorts when necessary
  • Report suspicious requests for information to your unit security manager or supervisor
The 82d Communications Squadron has been working very hard to ensure the base network is configured properly, is secure and is compliant with DOD policies/directives. In addition to reviewing current configuration, we have started security patching workstations 24/7. While this may cause inconveniences, it is imperative to reinforce our workstations. Workstation security and end users are our first line of defense, remaining vigilant and following tips listed above will minimize security risks to our network.

During the inspection, organizations that process and store classified information can expect a visit from the CCRI team; 100% of all classified processing areas (i.e. SIPRNet locations and other classified areas) will be reviewed.

CCRI personnel could also visit locations across Sheppard to attempt to solicit sensitive information like user names and passwords, PII, and other items. They may even try to gain access to classified information or attempt to gain unauthorized entrance to controlled areas. We must remain vigilant to prevent such access and immediately report such attempts to the chain of command.

Protecting our networks is important not just during the inspection but every day. A good inspection result would prove that Team Sheppard is dedicated to cyber security and it would validate all the hard work that happens every day.

Lt. Col. Larry B. Fletcher, Jr., commander, 82d Communications Squadron, spoke to the importance of cyber security and the role every person plays in it.

"In this day and age, we cannot overstate the importance of persistent cyber readiness, nor can we overstate the important role that our network users play in it. Air Force networks are under attack every day from well-funded nation states, determined non-state actors, and motivated criminal organizations," Fletcher said.

"Every Airman must do their part to thwart attacks on our networks and protect the information that resides there. As we continue to fight our war on terror, perhaps only a few of the Airmen we train here at Sheppard will deploy into harm's way. However, every Sheppard Airmen has a role right here and now in the ongoing adversarial environment that is cyberspace."

(Lt. Col. Larry B. Fletcher, Jr., James Nix and Don Reed .contributed to this article)