Cyber security: Always a 'topic of concern'

  • Published
  • By Ray Bowden
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  National Cyber Security Awareness Month will end Oct. 31, but one Academy official said she hopes Airmen here continue to treat computer security with the year-round attention she said it deserves. 

The Defense Department initiative is designed to educate Airmen, DOD civilians and others through events and initiatives to raising awareness about cyber security.

"It's really important we remember cyber security is a daily concern," said Angie Thorpe, the Academy's Information System Security manager. "You don't have to read the news reports of major department stores, restaurants and major corporations. being hacked to know computer security is a huge concern. It's vital we defend ourselves and by extension, the Air Force, against the dangers of cyberspace."

If you don't think a security breach can occur in your office here, consider that an unclassified network used by White House staff was hacked this month, she said.

"If it can happen there, it can happen here, in your homes or anywhere," Thorpe said. 

The cyber attack on the White House is being investigated by the CIA, the National Security Administration and other agencies, according to Associated Press reports.

"With the advent of new technology, cyber security will always be a topic of concern," Thorpe said.

Thorpe recommends Academy Airmen and their families take steps to protect themselves while using a computer here or at home.

"For starters, protect any and all devices you connect to the Internet," she said.

Along with computers, smart phones, gaming systems and other web devices need protection from viruses and malware, Thorpe said.

"Conduct any online business with vendors you trust and check for website security," she said. "If you're banking or shopping online, make sure the site is security enabled with 'https' or 'shttp.' Make sure the websites you use have legitimate certificates by checking the small lock on the right hand side of the URL. If it's expired, do not put any personal or sensitive information into the site."

Don't open unsolicited emails or log on to suspicious websites, Thorpe said.

"Never provide your credit card number, bank account information or any other personal information in response to an unsolicited email or suspicious Internet web site," she said.

If you suspect you're the victim of a cyber event, immediately call the Information Assurance Office here at 333-9880.

Visit www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month-2014 or www.stopthinkconnect.org for more information.