LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Since 2004, National Cyber Security Awareness Month has been observed by the U.S. during the month of October to inform and remind individuals of the importance of being safe online. It is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
Cyberspace is defined as the electronic domain used to store, modify and exchange data via networked systems. In 2013, electronic-commerce experts estimated sales would grow 18.3 percent to approximately $1.3 trillion worldwide. Due to an increase in e-commerce, required measures, such as firewalls and privacy settings, are a necessity to protect against unauthorized access or attack.
"Cybersecurity is important because in modern times, everything is electronic, from data files to bank accounts and statements," said Staff Sgt. Michael Davis, 633rd Communications Squadron information assurance technician. "Without some kind of protection, national security will be in danger."
Staff Sgt. Steven Bruce, 633rd CS information assurance technician, agreed that cybersecurity is important to the protection and procurement of the mission.
"Without security, the network would be wide open to threats," said Bruce. "There is a large amount of data that would be at risk; things [that may seem] as small as Social Security numbers or as large as our mission plans for ground troops."
Service members are encouraged to be vigilant when posting data or sensitive information online.
"You have to be a bit paranoid when it comes to cybersecurity," said Bruce. "All it takes to let a bad guy into our network is one person turning a blind eye to security practices. If it looks fishy or too good to be true, it probably is. Report those suspicious activities to your unit information assurance officer."
For more information on how to ensure cyber security both at home and in the office, visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect-cyber-tips.