DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Protecting the nation from enemies foreign and domestic is part of the oath of enlistment and in the digital world, the threat still grows.
Cybersecurity is highly important to the Air Force and Space Force as they continue to designate October as “Cybersecurity Awareness Month.” The Department of the Air Force announced the overall theme for 2023 as: “Cybersecurity – Every Airman, Every Guardian – Mission Possible!”
“The main focus of our career field is protection of the network,” said Senior Airman Julian Calvin, 94th Communications Squadron cyber systems operations technician. “For network security, the most vulnerable point of any operation is the human element. The more educated a person is in cyber hygiene, the less risk they are in being a network vulnerability.”
The weekly emphasis of Cybersecurity Awareness Month follows the below areas:
- Week One – Social Media, Privacy and Digital Force Protection
- Week Two – Multi-Factor Authentication and Phishing
- Week Three – Information Protection
- Week Four – Disruptive Technologies
There are several precautionary steps available for Airmen to use, one of which can protect Airmen financially and socially.
“Multi-factor authentication is vital as it will send a code only to you and provide further protection of your information,” said Master Sgt. Frank Cruz, 94th CS cyber systems operations technician. “Be sure to utilize this service as it increases the security of your mobile banking and social media applications allowing you to lower your financial and reputational vulnerability.”
Various cyber threats have been targeting Airmen and other service members, but an increasing threat is the text message tactic of smishing.
“Smishing is a growing threat,” said Cruz. “If you receive a text message from an unknown number, use caution opening the link or responding as these tactics typically play off your emotions and are likely to be a cybersecurity threat.”
Cybersecurity Awareness Month was reaffirmed and expounded on by President Joe Biden in a proclamation released on Sept. 29.
"Digital technologies today touch nearly every aspect of American life — from our classrooms and communities, to our economy and national security,” said Biden. “That is why — this Cybersecurity Awareness Month — my Administration renews our commitment to securing cyberspace and seizing the unlimited potential of our digital future."
Additional cybersecurity tips and articles can be found on the Office of the Chief Information Officer’s website.