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Get with the network, be authorized

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dillon Davis
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The Department of Defense is cracking down on the use of unauthorized devices on government networks by any and all personnel.

The Integrated Network Operations and Security Center in Langley, Va., scans every network computer continuously each day to check for malicious codes while also recording each use of USB devices, said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Jefferson, 52nd Communications Squadron NCO in charge of wing information assurance.

According to Jefferson, "The scanning for unauthorized devices will become more stringent due to continually increasing cyber threats."

Each time a USB device is plugged into a network computer it is checked to ensure that it has been scanned and authorized for use by the user's information assurance officer. The scans are necessary to prevent future incidents that could potentially damage the U.S. Air Force's communications networks and to safeguard sensitive information, said Jefferson.

"If you do it, you will get caught," Jefferson said, on plugging unauthorized devices into network computers

Personnel who connect USB devices such as phones, tablets, cameras, memory cards, flash drives, mp3 players and unauthorized hard drives to network computers will have their accounts locked pending commander reinstatement.

First offenses are punishable by a one-week account suspension and the offender will need a letter from their squadron commander to un-freeze the account. Second offenses are punishable by a one-month account suspension and the user will need a letter from their group commander to un-freeze the account. Third offenses are punishable by a six-month account suspension and the user will need a letter from their group commander to un-freeze the account. With each occurrence, offenders must re-accomplish information assurance training, he added.

Users that require the use of hard drives to accomplish the mission will need to have their unit information assurance officer format, scan and approve the device before it can be used. All devices must be clearly labeled with a classification and Standard Form 711 data descriptor. Offices with authorized hard drives will also need the accompanying approval paperwork on file. All necessary labels should be applied by the unit IAO.

For more information about authorized use of USB devices, people can contact the unit's IAO.