179 AW Recognizes National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Alexis Wade | Senior Master Sgt. Nick Wirwille, Superintendent of the Cyber Systems Operations shop with the 179th Airlift Wing Communications Squadron, works on a computer Oct. 6, 2019, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. Cyber Systems Operations specialists design, install and support systems to ensure they operate properly and remain secure from outside intrusion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Wade)  

MANSFIELD, OH, UNITED STATES

10.08.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Alexis Wade 

179th Cyberspace Wing

As cyberspace continues to progress and grow, cyber-crimes, intrusions and scams continue to increase as well. This requires individuals to be more vigilant and on guard to increase our cyber awareness to secure the networks, in hopes to avoid the cyber-crimes that are detrimental to our cyber security.

For Senior Master Sgt. Nick Wirwille, Supervisor of the Cyber Systems Operations shop at the 179th Airlift Wing Communications Squadron, Mansfield, Ohio, much of the work he does entails protecting against cyber threats and raising cyber awareness.

It’s the job of Cyber Systems Operations specialists to design, install and support our systems to ensure they operate properly and remain secure from outside intrusion.

Wirwille has worked in the communications squadron for the past 18 years, and directly works to ensure the base operates at the highest level of cyber security possible. Wirwille maintains all servers on base, making sure they are secure and up to date with security patches. These patches are what block security holes that hackers exploit and take over with, said Wirwille.

The Air Force relies heavily on advanced computer and software systems, so it is paramount to keep those systems safe.

“Cyber security is the most important thing right now,” said Wirwille. “We hear hit all the time in the news, media, here on base, people getting their identities stolen, if you aren’t following proper cyber security they can wreck your life. It is the most important thing in the world right now to be aware of.”

Wirwille said that as a member of the military, it is our duty to be proactive about these threats. With October being national Cyber Security Awareness Month, Wirwille offers a few tips regarding cyber security.

“Phishing emails and robot calls are very big issues right now,” said Wirwille. “Don’t use any links provided in emails that are sent out, and if anything at all seems wrong don’t do it. The best thing to do is to contact the business directly and inquire about what you were sent.”

• Date Taken: 10.08.2019
• Date Posted: 10.10.2019 12:59
• Story ID: 346690
• Location: MANSFIELD, OH, US