Information Assurance provides tips to secure information Published April 10, 2012 By Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Air Force Network Integration Center is conducting an Information Assurance Assessment and Assistance Program inspection here April 16 - 24. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure computer, emission, and communication security programs meet Air Force security standards, said Master Sgt. James Howell, 52nd Communications Squadron wing information assurance officer. Inspectors will visit various work centers throughout the base to gauge Airmen's security awareness during the IAAP. Howell said AFNIC inspects to make sure Sabers know the following do's and dont's of information security: · Don't leave common access cards in keyboards or leave logged-on computers unattended, as doing so may jeopardize national security by potentially giving full, unguarded access to a wealth of information. · Don't connect rogue devices like flash drives, memory sticks, thumb drives and camera- memory cards to network computers. IA approved external hard-drives can be plugged in as long as they are labeled "Unclassified" by IA. · Don't play privately owned media CDs, DVDs or MP3s in network computers as they may contain software or internet downloads. Internal CDs may be used so long as they are labeled "Unclassified," contain only IA approved software and don't contain internet downloads. · Do make sure to encrypt electronic messages when they contain controlled unclassified information. When transmitting for official use only information, add "FOUO" to the beginning of the subject line followed by the subject. Don't indiscriminately apply this statement to all messages. · Do secure personal information that distinguishes or traces an individual's identity, such as their name, social security number, age, military rank, civilian grade, etc. · Don't send chain letters as unofficial as soliciting not only adversely reflects on the Department of Defense, but is also punishable under Uniform Code of Military Justice. · Don't rearrange equipment in classified areas because all classified areas are certified through an Emission Security inspection, which makes sure all required IA countermeasures are effectively applied. · Don't bring cell phones, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, microphones, wireless keyboards or mice, wireless local area networks, or infrared LANs into classified areas or where classified information is discussed, briefed, or processed. · Don't talk about classified message incidents, which are leakages of classified information via unsecure channels. · Do know your group IA officer. · Do post and reference the Individual Network Reporting visual aid 33-201 near office phones. For more information, call the 52nd CS Wing IA Office at DSN 452-5375 or 06565-61-5375.