Sabers prepare for command cyber readiness inspection Published Aug. 4, 2014 By Senior Airman Rusty Frank 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - -- A command cyber readiness inspection will take place here Aug. 11-15, 2014. The inspection, led by members from the Defense Information Systems Agency, will determine Saber Nation's defensive cyber posture. "The intent is to harden the infrastructure, or secure the DoD network, by evaluating the technical and operational compliance with Information Assurance and Computer Network Defense Policies," said 2nd Lt. Christopher Jamison, 52nd Communications Squadron Officer in Charge cyber readiness. According to the 52nd Communication Squadron CCRI briefing, the unit aims to score in the "excellent" category with a score of 80-89 percent, while exceeding the Air Force high score of 86 percent. To be successful in the inspection, the squadron implemented a thorough self-inspection process similar to the inspector general's and the operational readiness inspection. "The CCRI's purpose is to evaluate the readiness of the 52nd FW's network." said Maj. Duane Fisher, 52nd Communication Squadron commander. "The guidelines and policies outlined within the CCRI ensure the network is always in a prepared state of defensive cyber security posture." Ten percent of the 52nd Fighter Wing's final score breaks down to three categories: culture, capability and conduct. For culture, Jamison said the inspectors will watch if cyber vulnerabilities and incidents are briefed to senior leadership, and that the program management office interaction on base ensures outside organizations are keeping their systems secure. Regarding capability, the inspectors will check the security of the network and how Airmen respond to incidents. Inspectors will also evaluate both administrator and user conduct on the network. They will check the pervasiveness of awareness and knowledge of proper network procedures throughout the wing. According to Jamison, 30 percent of the grading will come from how the 52nd Fighter Wing abides by Air Force and CYBERCOM guidance, as outlined in operational orders and communications tasking orders. The final 60 percent of the grade is based on the squadron's technical configurations on Saber Nation's network equipment, as defined by DISA's security technical implementation guides. Jamison said the 52nd FW plays a critical role to the success of the upcoming CCRI. Sabers can help score in the "excellent" category by: 1. Ensuring that users always maintain security of their workstations by controlling their common access cards when away from their personal computer. 2. Securing the Classified Network (i.e. SIPR) don't leave SIPR areas unattended, and ensure documents and media are properly stored. 3. Always be courteous and helpful if you meet a DISA CCRI inspector. 4. Ensuring no flash media or no phones are plugged into a network computer. Plugging unauthorized media such as thumb drives or personal phones is a security violation. This can cause the offender to lose network access. They will have to redo their IA training to gain access again. 5. Ensure Authorized Personnel Only. Use your access control lists. Inspectors will most likely be accompanied by 52 CS personnel. Ensure all visiting members are able to access the area escorted as needed. For more information on cyber security, contact your unit IA officer.