Every Airman plays a part in cyber defense

Cybersecurity begins with individual choices; from recognizing suspicious emails to protecting personal information and reporting potential threats quickly.

As computers remain central to daily operations, every Airman has a role in maintaining a secure and ready force. Communications, cyber, intelligence-support, and security personnel support that effort by helping members identify common online threats and apply safe practices both on and off duty.

“Cybersecurity is not limited to the people who work in communications or cyber units,” said Master Sgt. Michael Sielke-Meade, the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 403rd Communications Flight. “Every Airman who uses a government device, accesses an account, or receives an email is part of the defensive team.”

The Air Force network is under constant attack 24/7. While major network operations squadrons and cyber operations squadrons actively defend and patch the network, individual passive defense is a critical line of security.

Sielke-Meade said that this passive defense can feel tedious at times, but maintaining updates, managing application lists, and ensuring only approved software is run on the network plays a vital part.

“Even if it may not feel like it, every single member has a role to play in keeping the network secure,” he said.

Phishing remains one of the most common methods malicious actors use to gain access to information and systems by exploiting the human factor. These messages are designed to look as official and familiar as possible to trick people into clicking links, letting an attacker onto the network, or capturing credentials, passwords, and personal identification numbers.

Airmen should pause before responding to unexpected messages, verify the sender through an established contact method, and avoid entering credentials or personal information through unverified links.

“Attackers often rely on urgency, curiosity, or familiarity to get someone to act before they think,” said Sielke-Meade. “Taking a few seconds to verify an email or report something suspicious can prevent a much larger issue.”

Protecting personally identifiable information and maintaining system updates also remain critical parts of digital readiness. To keep NIPRNet secure, Airmen should run Windows updates, automated remediation, Office 365 updates, and group policy updates at least two to three times weekly. Additionally, performing a full computer restart at least once every 24 hours in conjunction with these updates keeps the network safe and running smoothly.

Sielke-Meade said that if an Airman receives a suspected phishing message, they should not forward it. Instead, they should do nothing with it and report it directly to their Unit Security Manager, the 403rd Communications Flight, or to the 81st Communications Squadron, where security personnel will block the sender or direct the user to delete the message.

In cases where an Airman notices active, unusual activity and suspects their computer is compromised, he reminds them to take immediate action.

He said that the first step is to disconnect the computer from the network cable. Airmen must not log off or shutdown the machine; instead, they should bring the computer straight to the 403rd Communications Flight, or the 81st Communications Squadron if they are unavailable, so cyber personnel can perform an intake, evaluate the system, and remediate the issue.

“Good cyber hygiene protects the individual, but it also protects teammates and the mission,” Sielke-Meade said. “A secure force is a more resilient force.”

By remaining alert, safeguarding information, running routine updates, and promptly reporting concerns, Airmen help preserve the systems and networks that enable the Air Force Reserve mission.

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