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AMC to focus on OPSEC, COMPUSEC during awareness day

3 Dec 2004 |

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- To emphasize the importance that mission success relies heavily on sound operational and computer security practices, Air Mobility Command leaders have requested each wing commander dedicate a three-hour period during the first two weeks of December to focus on OPSEC and COMPUSEC awareness.

The wing awareness day came about from a security assessment at Scott AFB last May, according to Steve Quinn, chief of Information Assurance, 805th Communications Support Squadron, part of the commands Communications and Information Directorate. During an assessment of AMC networks, inspectors found user awareness in some areas lacking, he said.

That deficiency raised concerns with command senior leaders, enough so that they are calling on wing commanders to set aside time to focus on improving awareness.

AMC is dependent upon data and systems on the AMC enterprise (network) to conduct our airlift mission; therefore, we must engrain OPSEC and COMPUSEC into our daily business, said Lt. Gen. John R. Baker, AMC vice commander, in a recent letter.

To help wing commanders get ready for the three-hour session, the AMC Director of Operations and Director of Communications and Information provided briefings for them to use for the awareness day.

Commanders can modify the briefings to address local issues.

We recommended commanders provide details on the base-level critical information that is the cornerstone of every OPSEC program, said Captain Brandon Robinson, Airborne Communications Operations chief with AMCs Combat Operations Division, and the alternate OPSEC manager for AMC.

The briefings go beyond the initial and annual refresher training required for Airmen, civilian personnel and contractor employees.

There are (annual) operations security and computer security training modules for members to take, but they only go so far and only touch on the general areas of security understanding and needs, said Captain Brandon.

In addition to the OPSEC material, Mr. Quinn said the Information Assurance portion of the briefings contains general information on Time Compliance Network Orders, passwords, personal digital assistants, cell phone camera use, anti-virus software for home computers, software on computer workstations, and certification and accreditation. He said special emphasis is placed on certification and accreditation because personnel need to know the impact of making changes to systems.

Overall, leaders expect positive results from the awareness day, but they dont plan on making it an annual event.

Weve had a heightened awareness of potential threats since Sept. 11, 2001; however, that wakeup call was over three years ago, said Captain Robinson. We saw the need to re-energize everyones vigilance in the ever-increasing of operations and computer security. A wing-level awareness will do that.

Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division
Office of Public Affairs
503 Ward Drive, Room 214
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335
618-229-7821


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