Digital sentries: Warren downloads AFSPC Cyber Awareness Day info

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Stone
  • 90th Communications Squadron
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  December 7, 2005, cyberspace became a named element of the Air Force mission.

Today, Air Force Space Command has taken the mantle to organize, train and equip the forces to plan and execute cyber operations.

As the command shapes the future of cyber operations in the Air Force, it declared yesterday to be a Cyber Awareness Day.

"Recent events continue to remind all of us that the networks we rely on to conduct our vital operations are constantly under attack," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, AFSPC commander. "Due to the threat, everyone must adopt a 'cyber sentry' ethos that keeps us vigilant, focused and disciplined as we use the network ... We face numerous challenges in the cyberspace domain.

"The threats are real; the enemy is determined," he continued. "It is imperative we take every measure possible to defend our capabilities in cyberspace."

Two days before Cyber Awareness Day, General Kehler addressed the men and women of the 90th Missile Wing, emphasizing the wing's engagement in two wars.

When thinking about the war being fought today, some immediately think of deployments for the War on Terror.

However, a seldom-discussed aspect of the War on Terror is the cyber operations that bring victories throughout the force every day.

Those operations, though, are not restricted to the War on Terror.

While specialized operators conduct cyber operations against adversaries, all play a critical role in the defensive operations that protect the Air Force elements of cyberspace.
As General Kehler's "cyber sentries," Warren Airmen protect the networks with safe and proper operation of computers.

By following the prescribed procedures for operating computers and being on guard, spillage of classified material into lower-classification systems can be prevented.

Also, cyber awareness prevents the spread of malicious software such as viruses, Trojan horses, keystroke loggers and backdoors.

Airmen here prevent the success of attempts to gain unauthorized access to Warren's networks and data from social engineering techniques.

Any one of these events can threaten our wing's daily operations, and every one of these events is completely preventable.

Yesterday, the warriors of the Mighty Ninety viewed a cyber awareness message from General Kehler when they logged into the base network.

Through the day, many received reminders about the role they play in defending that piece of cyberspace.

To learn more about Air Force Space Command's cyber awareness activities, visit https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASPs/CoP/OpenCoP.asp?Filter=OO-SC-SP-49.

For more information about Air Force cyberspace operations, call the 90th MW Information Assurance Office at 773-5139 or Maj. David Stone, 90th Communications Squadron commander, at 773-2140.