423rd CS offers tips during National Cyber Security Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  If you've had your day derailed by a computer virus, laptop theft or identity hack, then you know the havoc that these serious "gotcha's" can cause.

The 423rd Communications Squadron wants to help make sure this doesn't happen to you. They're devoting the month of October - National Cyber Security Awareness Month - to giving you the tips and tools to protect yourself from hackers, thieves, phishing, malware and more.

In addition to it being National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the 501st Combat Support Wing is preparing for the migration to the Air Force Network.

"The AFNet implementation is a benchmark from industry that will bring with it increased security measures," said Maj. Carlos Alford, 423rd CS commander. "The AFNet allows Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot (24th Air Force commander, Air Forces Cyber commander and Air Force Network Operations commander) to operate, maintain and defend a standardized network; provide full visibility across the entire Air Force infrastructure; and enforce standardized security policies, vulnerability scanning and patch management."

Because of the interconnectedness of online systems, everyone who uses digital technologies at home or in the office can - and must - play a part in cyber security. For example, if you open a virus-laden e-mail attachment at work, you could infect your entire company's computer network.

"With increased capabilities we must continue being vigilant on our Air Force network and our home networks," said Alford. "National Cyber Security Awareness Month is designed to engage and educate public and private sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity and increasing the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident."

Throughout the month, the 423rd CS will provide weekly educational tidbits on the following topics:

Week One: How to avoid being a victim of spear phishing.

Week Two: Use of unauthorized USB devices on government systems.

Week Three: Free home virus protection and system patching.

Week Four: Geotagging security concerns.

Week Five: Examples of ramifications of not following safe info assurance practices and/or properly securing computer systems.

"Although there are these five areas emphasized this month, the overall theme is for everyone to do their part," said Alford. "As work to improve security within the Air Force Network begins within the 501st CSW, I ask all of you to strengthen your security habits in your off duty life too."

Here are a few security tips from the 423rd CS:
  • Do not allow Internet Explorer to store passwords for you
  • Nobody from the Help Desk needs your password
  • Don't use public computers at internet cafes or hotels
  • Try to avoid using public Wi-Fi
  • Turn off your Bluetooth when you're not using it.
October 2012 marks the ninth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.