USTRANSCOM Prepares for Cyber Operational Readiness Inspection

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – The U.S. Cyber Command will conduct the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection, or CCRI, at USTRANSCOM Oct. 29 through Nov. 2. 

A CCRI is a technical and operational inspection which takes an in-depth look at an organization’s security practices and network readiness to ensure they are compliant with Department of Defense standards.  As such, the CCRI team will look for deficiencies and vulnerabilities in both the physical and virtual arenas of USTRANSCOM.

“This CCRI represents a readiness inspection of the entire headquarters and its personnel to operate in cyberspace,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory J. Touhill, chief information officer and director, Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems, USTRANSCOM. 

“We have the opportunity to demonstrate how we've incorporated prudent cyber practices and procedures into our daily battle rhythm throughout the command,” Touhill continued.  “Our team, in partnership with our AF service providers and our component commands, have worked hard to ensure that our work force and networks are in a high state of operational readiness and provide cyber capabilities that are effective, efficient, and secure.”

The primary contribution USTRANSCOM members can make to this inspection is to vigilantly enforce and obey all traditional, physical, and computer security practices to properly guard classified information and correctly use classified computer systems. 

 In particular, members should ensure SIPRNet monitors don’t face windows or common hallways to restrict viewing by unauthorized personnel, and properly store classified materials and equipment when they are no longer in use.

Additionally, keeping computer systems current with security patches is the single best way to secure any network from potential attack.  New updates from software vendors are continuously being released, so it is critical that all NIPRNet and SIPRNet systems are restarted daily to ensure they receive required security updates. 

While good security practices are important during inspections, a culture of compliance provides mission assurance.  Reflecting on a World War II slogan, “Loose Lips Sink Ships,” in today’s cyber interconnected world, loose cyber security offers adversaries easy opportunities to steal vital national security information in order to harm our fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and allies.

According to Maj. Jamie Waggoner, USTRANSCOM Command, Control, Communications & Computer Systems directorate, a risk taken by one is a risk assumed by all, so remain alert.  Don’t drop your guard, even for a moment.  And don’t be the weakest link.

                                                            - USTRANSCOM -