MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
The month focuses on keeping resources and information safe from all online threats.
“We must position cyber at the forefront of our thinking, planning, and operations,” said Lt. Gen. William Bender, Air force chief information officer. “Cyber security depends on every Airman, regardless of rank or job description. Every time you log onto a system, click on a link, download a file, or plug one device into another, we risk exposing our systems to exploitation.”
With technology growing every day, it can be hard to keep track of every cyber threat that comes our way making it harder to protect sensitive information.
“Cyber Security Awareness is important to the Air Force because a lot of what we do has become digitized in some way,” said Airman 1st Class Ellyse Mooney, 22nd Communications Squadron cyber surety journeyman. “Because of this, it’s important that we all remain vigilant in efforts to protect our cyber environment from all adversaries.”
“Protecting the wing from enemies can be tough because of phishing which is the most common cyber threat.” said Mooney.
Phishing occurs when hackers, send a fake email hoping to scam another user or even spread a computer virus by attaching it to the email allowing them to access a system.
“Cyber security does not only fall on one Air Force Specialty Code, it’s a collaborative effort,” said Mooney. “The best way to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of phishing is to report any suspicious emails that you receive to your cyber security liaison immediately, and make sure that any device that is being used is properly labeled with classified or unclassified stickers.”
Each week throughout the month, the 22nd CS will provide the wing with different information on ways to help win the cyber war and protect vital information from our enemies. Most information will be provided through email and also dispersed through each units CSL.
“The digital age is very dynamic,” Mooney added. “It doesn’t stay the same for very long because of non-stop changes in technology. Keeping Airmen informed is the best way to stay ahead of any possible threat.”