Base prepares for inspection

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  One might think of base security as watching for odd behavior or out-of-place packages, but there is another realm of security.

"Security is everyone's responsibility," said Master Sgt. Denise Ziwisky, 56th Communications Squadron network operations section chief. "That statement stands for the cyber world as well as the physical."

Airmen from 56th CS are working hard to prepare the wing for the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection March 17 through 21 at Luke Air Force Base. The CCRI requires an overall grade of at least 70 percent to pass.

"The CCRI is a thorough inspection of our entire network here at Luke to include the nonclassified and classified networks," said 2nd Lt. David Lucas, 56th CS battle captain. "We will be graded on the health of our network and also the compliance and effectiveness of how the network is protected."

Positive inspection results are crucial to mission success at Luke, and it takes everyone doing their part to ensure those results.

"If the inspection team feels the security of the network is not being upheld by all users, we can be disconnected from the Defense Department information network," Ziwisky said.

The mission would come to a stand-still if disconnected because of the many programs and functions that run through the DOD network, Ziwisky said. The intent of the inspection is to identify issues before they get to that point.

"The goal of the CCRI is to highlight the good and the bad on our network," Lucas said. "It is meant to highlight things that are done wrong and provide measures to get back in compliance."

The 56th CS is heading up the preparations for the CCRI, but it takes everyone to ensure success.

"The inspection is not just a communications squadron initiative," Ziwisky said. "It reflects the base and is a collective effort. The smallest things, like logging off the computer at night, can help us do our jobs to make the network healthier."

The CCRI is important, but it is important to think about cyber security every day, Ziwisky said.

"Logoff your computer at the end of the day and leave it powered on for updates," she said. "Lock your computer and remove your Common Access Card, even if you are stepping out for just a moment. Never connect a USB device to your computer unless the device was approved by the wing information assurance office. Protect personally identifiable information and know who your unit information assurance officer and security manager are."

When Airmen make habits of these simple tasks, they are doing their part to ensure a secure network and inspection.