The Bondsteel Bullet November 2013

THE BONDSTEEL BULLET November 2013 NEWSLETTER ? ? ? Jamie Bourgault, an Information Assurance Manager for the Kosovo NEC at Camp Bondsteel, said it is everyone’s duty to help protect the network against any possible threats. The Army declared October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month U.S. federal government faces an average of 15,000 cyber attacks on its network per day Information security incidents at 24 federal agencies have increased 650% over the last five years Story and Photos by Ardian Nrecaj, Public Affairs Specialist According to the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. federal government faces an average of 15,000 cyber attacks on its network per day and information security incidents at 24 federal agencies have increased 650% over the last five years. To help promote vigilance against this rising threat, the Army declared October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. THE BONDSTEEL BULLET The Bondsteel Bullet is produced for civilians and military personnel on Camp Bondsteel. Contents of this publication are not necessarily official views of Multinational Battle Group-East or Area Support Team Balkans. MNBG-E Public Affairs Officer Maj. Wencke Tate 4th Public Affairs Detachment Executive Editor Capt. Randy D. Ready Layout design/Editor Ardian Nrecaj Through Cyber Awareness to Better Security Technology has helped improve our lives and has taken a bigger role in it. We are spending more and more time online and in front of a computer, where most of our work, shopping and entertainment are being done through the internet. But there are risks that come with this new way of living. Issue 8 There are many steps that we can take to make us safer while using computers at work or at home. Jamie Bourgault, the Information Assurance Manager for the Kosovo NEC, described some steps to take and some of the common mistakes people do while using their computers. Staff Writer Ardian Nrecaj POC for this publication is: Ardian Nrecaj, DSN 781-3467 ardian.nrecaj2.fn@mail.mil “Your information is as secured as your password is difficult.” – Jamie Bourgault “Among many mistakes is having an easy password; your information is as secured as your password is difficult,” said Bourgault. “Do not use the same password everywhere, because if they can crack it then they have cracked into everything.” Bourgault also emphasized the importance of having a complex password. Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Lopez, the Kosovo Network Enterprise Center chief, explained that during this month they try to increase awareness on how security impacts the mission. “Minimum of 15 characters, two upper and two lowercase [letters], two [special] characters and two numbers,” said Bourgault. To help make it easier to remember your password, Bourgault recommended making it a short sentence and substitute some letters with numbers. “Cyber security is a team effort; we all play a role and everything that we do in one way or another comes back and ties into our network and into the operational status of what we do,” said Lopez. “Being aware of what your role is and what you do on day-to-day basis has a major impact on cyber security and cyber awareness.” “It’s also important to make sure your wireless internet connection is secured,” said Bourgault. “Do not make your wireless connection visible, if nobody can see it, it is much harder for an attacker to get on your network.” Continued in page 4 U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Lopez, the Kosovo Network Enterprise Center chief, oversees the network operations, help desk support and all of the communications within Kosovo’s area of operations. THE BONDSTEEL BULLET ? Page 1