National cyber security awareness month

  • Published
  • By 60th Communications Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  October marks the eighth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

The most serious economic and national security challenges we face are cyber threats. America's economic prosperity and competitiveness in the 21st Century depends on effective cyber security. Every internet user has a role to play in securing cyberspace and ensuring the safety of themselves and their families online.

The overarching theme for National Cyber Security Awareness Month is "Our Shared Responsibility," which reflects the interconnectedness of the modern world and the message that all computer users have a role in securing cyberspace.

Through a series of events and initiatives across the base, Cyber Security Awareness Month engages public and private sector partners to raise awareness and educate base personnel about cyber security and increase the resiliency of the Nation and its cyber infrastructure.

We can follow a few simple steps to keep ourselves, our personal assets, and private information safe online. In addition, these steps will help us prepare for the upcoming Major Command Information Assurance inspection and we need everyone's help to make it a success. We will prominently feature a different critical cyber security issue each week in October. Information will be disseminated throughout the month in multiple ways, weekly base articles, base-wide e-mails and bulletins posted on the Wing Information Assurance SharePoint site.

Tip #1: If you receive an e-mail that seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. If you are unsure about the authenticity of the e-mail, look for these things:

1. The FROM: address should be from the Global Address Listing if on base. If this is your home e-mail and you do not recognize the sender, be cautious before opening any attachments or clicking any address links.

2. Look for a digital signature in the top right of the e-mail address line.

3. The e-mail in the plain text of the message should be from a domain name, not an internet protocol address.

For questions or to report any cyber security issues contact your unit Information Assurance Officer or the 60th Communications Squadron, Wing Information Assurance at DSN: 424-0002.