How to prepare for a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, CO, UNITED STATES

10.07.2019

Courtesy Story

21st Space Wing

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – With a limited 10-day notice, the Defense Information Systems Agency may conduct a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The first candidate window is late October 2019, but regardless of whether or not they select us, we have an operational imperative to ensure we operate our networks with discipline and to ensure their integrity and availability in today’s and tomorrow’s fight.

The CCRI is a U.S. Cyber Command inspection which will be focusing on the following:

• Validate our compliance to DoD Standards
• Identify vulnerabilities on our unclassified internet protocol router (NIPRNET) and the secret internet protocol router (SIPRNET)
• Provide situational awareness of our cyber security posture
• Ensure we can protect against cyber threats

The inspection is an equivalent to a unit effectiveness inspection of the base’s network and supporting security practices.

While the 21st Communications Squadron is the lead for our cyber preparedness, we will rely on all members of the 21st Space Wing and tenant units to assist.

So what can you do to ensure we are safeguarding our networks?

• Leave NIPRNET computers on at all times to ensure they are receiving vulnerability patches
• Power up and log into SIPRNET machines every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Directly connect laptops and/or tablets twice weekly for a minimum of four hours
• Remove and safeguard NIPRNET Common Access Cards before leaving workstations
• Remove and safeguard SIPRNET token (best practice: secure in a locked drawer or GSA approved container)
• Properly mark all communications equipment with classification stickers
• Label disc media with proper classification markings
• Know how to respond to network security incidents (post 21st SW Form 2 on all monitors)
• Know and raise any issues or concerns to your unit cybersecurity liaison
• Never bring portable or wireless electronic devices within three meters of a classified system
• Do not plug any electronic devices into NIPRNET or SIPRNET machines (thumb drives, cell phones, MP3 players, or any device that stores information)
• Reboot your computer daily (best practice: restart computer at the end of every duty day)

These actions directly correlate to the Peterson AFB cyberspace readiness policy.

While a CCRI only occurs approximately every 12 months our computer networks are always under attack by our adversaries and it is up to each of us to ensure we are doing our part in securing our networks.

Further questions regarding the CCRI or Peterson AFB cybersecurity can be directed to [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 10.07.2019
• Date Posted: 10.07.2019 18:00
• Story ID: 346463
• Location: PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, CO, US