Vance holds Network Security Focus Day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lynn Aird
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  To foster awareness of the importance of cyberspace protection methods, Vance held a Network Security Focus Day March 4.

The call for a Network Security Focus day came from Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander, Air Education and Training Command. 

"Recent events have caused an increase in network security vigilance, and a demand that all AETC personnel take a more stringent attitude toward incorporating network security into day-to-day operations," General Lorenz explained in a video broadcast to all AETC bases. "With that in mind, I'm directing that AETC units hold a network focus day specifically dedicated to covering key aspects of network security and information assurance." 

Due to the importance of the subject matter, Vance's Network Security Focus day took place in the Base Auditorium at three separate times and was broadcast on the Commander's Access Channel. 

A presentation was given by Col. Richard Murphy, 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, followed by a question and answer session with Cecily Odom, 71st Communications Squadron director. 

Colonel Murphy began his presentation with the video of the AETC commander, which laid the foundation for the severity of the situation. In General Lorenz's words, "each of us - every military member, government civilian or contractor - enters the fight when we logon to the network or access a computer system. And everyone's diligence is vital to our success. The threats facing us and our network resources are present and they're real." 

Following the video, Colonel Murphy went on to explain several of these threats to Vance's personnel. He outlined the dangers posed by malicious and infected Web sites and social networks, and explained why non-mission essential sites are blocked on the base network. 

Colonel Murphy also discussed the threats posed by phishing e-mails. 

"A phishing e-mail is an e-mail that attempts to acquire sensitive information. Phishing e-mails can target the collection of anything from credit card and banking account information to user names and passwords on social networking sites," Colonel Murphy explained. "The e-mail will likely be sent to a multitude of people. The more people the message is sent to the more likely it is to succeed." 

Colonel Murphy also instructed personnel on threat recognition and countermeasures. He provided examples of phishing e-mails, harmful sites and ways for Team Vance to be less susceptible to attacks, such as routinely scanning all documents and compact discs with latest Anti-virus software, locking computers when not in use by removing Common Access Cards and remaining current with all information protection training.

"When any part of our network system is compromised, the entire network is open to exploitation, or attack," said Colonel Murphy. "Our adversaries can then find additional weakness in the network architecture to enable additional follow-on attacks or exfiltration of additional sensitive data. All Airmen can be targeted, so all Airmen are part of the first line of defense." 

For more information about network security, please visit the Vance AFB Sharepoint site and click on the green banner titled "AETC Network Security Focus Day."