News

Cyber readiness inspection yields outstanding results

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Robins received an Outstanding rating for its network security during a March 19 through 23 U.S. Cyber Command-directed Command Cyber Readiness Inspection conducted.

A team of nine from the Defense Information Systems Agency Field Security Operations Team performed vulnerability scanning across the Robins SIPRNet and NIPRNet.

The team gave Robins its highest rating on each network.

Team lead Walt Kerr lauded Robins in a March 23 outbrief saying, "Excellent policies and procedures, staff personnel are aware of responsibilities required to ensure IA posture complies with DoD requirements."

"The network has evolved into a weapons system now much like an aircraft; we must ensure it is operationally capable at all times," said Joseph Brothers Jr., 78th Air Base Wing Information Assurance Office supervisor. "If the network is compromised, it would negatively affect the warfighter's ability to achieve their mission."

Availability of these networks Availability of these networks allows users to perform work on a day-to-day basis. On the NIPRNet, or Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network, this can include email exchanges, contacts, Internet searches and access to file sharing, for example. SIPRNet, or Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, allows for the flow of classified material, which can include sensitive missions.

Assessments were conducted on six technology areas encompassing vulnerability scanning, as well as the use of wireless technology and traditional security, where inspectors walked through classified processing areas with wing information protection personnel to ensure all were in compliance with Department of Defense policies and Air Force Instructions. The team found no concerns in those areas.

"The staff is well versed on the responsibilities and duties required to manage a successful security posture," added Kerr, DISAFSO team lead.

Robins also hosts the Air Force Reserve Command and 116th Air National Guard network traffic, whose sites were also assessed as connected enclaves. Brothers gave kudos to all the hard work involved across the base.

"What pushed us from Excellent to Outstanding was the commitment of senior leadership in directing the quarantine of vulnerable systems and suspension of non-compliant practices," said Brothers. An Air Force-level Scope EDGE team performed remote scanning and a one week on-site assessment last fall. That assessment coupled with SC's unit self-inspections provided the basis for Robins CCRI preparations.

"Scope EDGE pointed to specific vulnerabilities and shortcomings on the network," he added. "Our prep team was able to target those areas and address upcoming CCRI focus areas."

Along with the DISA FSO team, there were five Right Seat Riders, a DISA program which allows visitors from other bases to observe ongoing inspections. Representatives from Keesler, Hill, Tinker and Goodfellow Air Force bases were on hand at Robins observing the inspection. Robins is currently on schedule for another CCRI in Feb 2013.