Everyone has a role to play in maintaining cyber security

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Joel Glenn
  • Wing Information Assurance Office 88th Communications Group
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. --  This October celebrates the 11th year of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a public education and awareness campaign sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Cyber Security Month is designed to increase national cyber defense awareness.

In an age where most people lead Internet-connected lives, it is important   to understand that securing our networks is our shared responsibility. "Our Shared Responsibility" is once again the theme for National Cyber Security Awareness Month in 2014. Since no single person, business or government entity is solely responsible for securing the Internet, everyone must all do his or her part in protecting this shared resource.

Cyber security is the protection of computers, networks, applications and information against unauthorized intrusion or compromise. Even with the technological advancements of recent years, people still play the most important role in cyber defense. Because of this, user education is priority No. 1 in security programs. Too often employees   remain passive when things seem unusual or suspicious.

Remember that every person is a sensor. Do you recognize that person working in the restricted area? Does your computer normally act this way? Did I really just inherit $25 million like this email says? We can implement the greatest anti-virus software the world has ever seen, but one wrong click of a mouse can reverse all of our good cyber habits.

Security doesn't just stop with preventing malicious attacks and intruders from targeting our networks. In some cases, sharing too much information or sensitive information can make intrusions unnecessary. The old saying "loose lips sink ships" still holds true today   . Whether it's sharing your bank account information, stealing proprietary information or uncovering national secrets, theft of information is a crime of opportunity, and your goal should be to make theft or compromise as difficult as possible.

Since Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is an intellectual hub for the Department of Defense, we have a unique role in remaining vigilant in our efforts to secure our information, our network and our base.

Wright Patterson AFB's missions directly enable the warfighter. We cannot afford to share sensitive information through email or casual conversation. Our adversaries are constantly trying to piece together our information   for their benefit. Your ability to sense when things are suspicious or wrong, and to protect our information, is a vital component of cyber security.

Many of us lead Internet-connected lives, requiring us to do our part in "Our Shared Responsibility." In practice, each of us must be vigilant and aware of potential cyber issues. Please take the time to brush up on your cyber security awareness and help keep our networks secure. Take advantage of available cyber-related Focus Week classes this month, as well as material from The Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance:  www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect and  www.staysafeonline.org  .