18th CS prepares for CCRI

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen G. Eigel
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  (Editor's note: This is the first feature article in a three-part series highlighting the Command Compliance Readiness Inspection within the 18th Communications Squadron and how it is essential to the mission of Kadena Air Base and security of our base networks.)

The 18th Communications Squadron is scheduled to undergo a Command Compliance Readiness Inspection April 14-18.

The CCRI, which is designed to test how well the base networks are protected both physically and digitally against attacks, will help CS find areas that are vulnerable to cyber attacks.

"The CCRI is an all-encompassing inspection covering physical security, digital security, (whether) the Information Assurance office knows the rules and regulations, if the wireless network protection is up to date and several other things," said 2nd Lt. Jordan Whylie, 18th Communications Squadron officer in charge of resources. "This will let us know how well we at CS are doing our jobs as well as how the base is doing at protecting its networks."

The inspection is implemented to ensure the base maintains proper network security. By using the different aspects of the CCRI, Airman can focus their attention on repairing damage from computer viruses and other malicious software.

"The CCRI is an important test because cyber security plays a key role in protecting our nation, especially as we move further into the future," Whylie said. "Adversaries are constantly creating viruses that can infect computers and pose a security threat to base networks."

Despite the numerous potential cyber threats, Whylie said there are several ways Airmen can combat the cyber security risks in their work places every day.

"It's as simple as not leaving your (Common Access Card) in your computer or plugging in flash drives," Whylie explained. "Not plugging flash devices in your computers connected to the base networks has been in effect for so long now, and still every day people plug things in, either not realizing that device has flash memory on it or just forgetting."

Whylie said that one way to help the 18th CS stop these risks from happening is by Airmen keeping each other accountable.

"Holding ourselves accountable is important because everything gets traced back to human error," Whylie said. "We can never be 100 percent protected from cyber attacks; we can only be as close as possible."

Whylie said that constant vigilance and threat awareness is crucial to mission readiness. One of the more common threats is social engineering, or using deception and manipulation to give up confidential information.

"Most adversaries use social engineering to find cracks in our system and then send emails masked as someone you know with a link to something you like such as fantasy football," he said. "When you click the link, it infects your computer."

Cyber attacks are always a danger to the Air Force, and that is why it is important to pay attention to the notices that the 18th CS sends out, prepare for the CCRI and be alert for any cyber security threats.

For more information on the CCRI and cyber awareness contact the 18th CS at 634-2666.