Cyber threats: Don't be a victim

  • Published
  • By 509th Communications Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Just as there are Safety Days to reinforce the need to care for wingmen, it is important to highlight the need for securing of the cyber domain. 

Undisciplined use of military networks exposes critical information to those with malicious intent.

Heeding some key points will help personnel recognize the threat to protect themselves and the mission.

Do not access social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook on Department of Defense networks. These may contain malicious content or gather personal information.

Be alert for phishing e-mails. These legitimate-looking e-mails are used to gain financial information (i.e., bank accounts, credit cards) or install malicious software on your computer.

They may contain code that can steal the information or give criminals, hackers or enemies "remote control" of computers.

Do not open email attachments or embedded links from people you do not know. Recognize "spoofed" e-mails. These are designed to mimic messages from known people, but are actually malicious. When in doubt, do not open or click.

Never post sensitive or for official use only information, or provide this information to strangers. Safeguard personal, unit and mission information at all times.

Flash memory devices (USB thumb drives, MP3 players) are not permitted on DoD Computers. There are strict procedures for moving data from one computer to another.

USB thumb drives may contain malicious code and install it on other computers without your knowledge. Keep your home anti-virus software up-to-date if home computers are used for official duties.

Additional resources: 

A Network Security Focus Day presentation is March 30, 9 a.m. at the Professional Development Center Luke A. Ford auditorium.  See the Calendar for more information.