Cybersecurity awareness month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica D. Keith
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- --  In today's society, technology is a large part of everyday life, people use computers and smart phones several times a day to convey important information to others, however not everyone is aware of the safety measures needed to keep their information secure.

This October marks the eighth annual Department of Homeland Security sponsored Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Here are a few simple steps servicemembers can take to ensure the security of work-related information and personal assets when processing information on computers and phones.

· Learn about and use the privacy settings on social networking sites. Keep in mind the information posted is visible to everyone and never post information that could compromise anyone's safety. Keep in mind that the internet is backed-up in real-time so once something is posted, even if it is later deleted the information remains on the internet forever. This is especially important in a deployed environment and for dependents of deployed members who may use social media at home.

· Only give your cellular phone number to people you trust and only text people you know in real life. Never text information that could compromise anyone's safety.

· Do not take pictures or video of someone without receiving their permission and do not allow someone to take pictures or video of you without your permission. Remember they can be posted online for public viewing.

· Be aware of the possible dangers of geotaged photos, which have the location where it was taken saved into its associated data. Many phones and cameras automatically geotag photos and when they are posted online, someone can easily find out where you live or what areas you visit often.

· Be aware of your children's activities online. Learn about parental controls and use them to monitor the websites your children visit and educate them about online safety. Make sure they understand the risks of using the internet and chat rooms.

· Install automatically updating antivirus, firewall and antispyware software. These can often be found in a comprehensive package known as a security suite. Use only trusted, reliable brands.

· Only open e-mails from people you know.

· Always guard information that could potentially compromise operational security, this includes information on your init or the wing critical information list as well as any Four Official Use Only documents. If you receive compromising information, immediately report it to your OPSEC Coordinator and up your chain of command.

Cybersecurity has never been as important as it is in today's society. Technology is involved in nearly every aspect of our lives and cybersecurity awareness must be a priority.
For social networking security training visit http://iase.disa.mil/eta/sns_v1/sn/launchPage.htm or contact a unit Operations Security Coordinator for more information.