F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- There is more to the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection than just ensuring Mighty Ninety personnel pull their common access cards from computers when they’re done for the day.
The purpose of the CCRI is to test the base's network and physical security procedures for security vulnerabilities.
“This is by no means just a 90th Communications Squadron inspection. It is an entire base inspection,” said 2nd Lt. Kristopher Hug, 90th CS officer in charge of network operations. “We are no-notice inspectable anytime fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2018. The inspection team can come inspect us from January all the way to next December, and we have to be ready.”
The inspection consists of security scans of the non-classified internet protocol router network and the secret internet protocol router network. It also includes physical security scans such as the removal of common access cards from computers and traditional building security systems.
Below are some actions that can be taken to improve security at your workstation to protect the base from digital and insider attacks:
1) Ensure NIPR machines are restarted, but not powered off, each and every day.
2) Ensure CAC & SIPR tokens are not left unattended in PCs.
3) In accordance with AFMAN 33-152, digitally sign the following:
Emails with embedded hyperlinks.
Emails with attachments.
Emails that commit to, authorize or deny the use of funds.
Emails that stipulate an Air Force official position.
4) Do not write down passwords.
5) Carefully follow instructions of unit information assurance officers and unit security managers.
6) The 90th CS will be conducting no-notice inspections around the base. If your office is selected, please comply with and accommodate their personnel.
Hug emphasized that every member of the base should care about security. If SIPR tokens, CACs and sensitive information are left out in the open, the enemy could get a hold of that and potentially hurt us in the long run.
“This inspection leaves us with an improved overall readiness,” Hug said. “The feedback we received from past CCRIs has led to improvements in our systems, plus has helped our defensive posture which deters our adversaries.”