Securing information through cyber security awareness

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Areca Wilson | Information technology is an essential tool to completing the U.S. Air Force’s mission. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but if each user does their part to protect cyber space, they can ensure mission success. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson/Released)  

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY

04.16.2015

Story by Senior Airman Areca Wilson 

31st Fighter Wing

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Information technology is an essential tool necessary to complete the U.S. Air Force's mission. Each Airman must play his or her part in protecting cyberspace as it is crucial for mission success.

Cyberspace may be described as a virtual realm used to store, modify and exchange data via network systems. Threats in the cyber realm exist now more than before because of technological advances.

"The damage caused by cyber-attacks and cyber-terrorism can lead to the loss of information integrity, privacy, money and life," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rogelio Cañez, 31st Communications Squadron wing cyber security office noncommissioned officer in charge. "It is absolutely necessary to actively maintain security controls and measures to ensure the systems and users are protected threats."

Each member should proceed with caution to help deter adversaries, even though cyber security measures such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, system access credentialing and anti-malware software are already set in place.

"The security of a system or network of systems is only as strong as its weakest link," said Cañez. "Every user is a sentry. It's everyone's responsibility to [safeguard] our systems and information. When the user community is well-educated and actively employing cyber security practices, the risk is substantially reduced."

According to Cañez, there are a number of reasons why security compromises occur, for example opening email from unknown sources that may contain malicious software. Combating threats is as easy as practicing good security procedures.

"Knowing the system and network you're working on is very important," said Cañez. "This will aid users to recognize when a system is corrupted or spot suspicious activity. If a member is involved in a system or network incident, immediate response and reporting is crucial to mitigate the threat. Cybersecurity liaisons and security managers are appointed at every unit to assist with response and reporting."

In addition to becoming educated on how to effectively recognize and report threats, Airmen can take several steps, such as using strong passwords; ensuring anti-virus and malware software are up to date; and staying alert, to reduce adversaries' access to information.

"With the growth [of cyberspace], also comes the increased threat of cyber-attacks and cyber-terrorism," explained Cañez. "Understanding these threats and vulnerabilities, and adopting safe behavior when interacting in the virtual realm should not only be expected of every user, but also the norm."

For more information on cybersecurity, contact the Aviano Wing Cybersecurity Office at 632-2310 or [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 04.16.2015
• Date Posted: 04.16.2015 08:52
• Story ID: 160144
• Location: AVIANO AIR BASE, IT