Cyber inspections coming to Peterson AFB

Published Oct. 10, 2017
By 21st Communications Squadron
21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- From Oct. 16-27 2017, the Defense Information Systems Agency will be conducting a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection on Peterson Air Force Base.

CCRIs are cyber inspections designed to examine a network’s current state of cybersecurity. The program assesses an organization’s compliance with Department of Defense directives and security orders, as well as a networks’ physical and traditional security postures along with potential vulnerabilities.

The 21st Communications Squadron is taking the lead on cyber preparedness, but all members of the 21st Space Wing and tenant units are critical to a successful inspection. Here’s what you can do to help prepare:

• Leave your NIPRNet computers on at all times to ensure they are receiving vulnerability patches (don’t shut your computer off at the end of the day, simply…restart).

• Power up your SIPRNet machines every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. (we strongly encourage you to power up your machines daily so your systems can receive appropriate patches).

• Directly connect laptops and/or tablets to the network twice weekly.

• Remove your Common Access Card before leaving your workstation and keep it with you at all times; likewise, remove your SIPR token and secure in a locked drawer or General Services Administration Approved container.

• Properly mark all communications equipment with classification stickers.

• Label disc media with proper classification markings.

• Know your unit’s Cyber Security Representative.

• Never bring portable or wireless electronic devices within 10 feet of a classified system.

• Do not plug any electronic devices into NIPRNet or SIPRNet machines (thumb drives, cell phones, MP3 players, or any device that stores information).

• Reboot your computer daily (best practice: restart computer at the end of every duty day).

These actions directly correlate to the Peterson AFB Cyberspace Readiness Policy dated June 13, 2017. While CCRI’s typically occur every 24 months, our computer networks are under attack 24/7. It is up to each of us to ensure we are doing our part to secure our networks.

If you have any questions or concerns leading up to the inspection, please contact your unit’s CSRs or the 21st CS communications focal point at 21cs.cfp@us.af.mil, or DSN 692-2666, option #2, or commercial at (719) 554-2666, option #2.