National Cyber Security Awareness Month: Stop, Think, Connect

  • Published
  • By Maj. Stacie Rembold
  • Commander, 436th Communications Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Stop, Think, Connect

Three simple words to live by in today's increasingly complex and interconnected world where there are approximately 255,000 new cyber threats that appear each day. Unfortunately, all too often, we don't necessarily stop before we Snapchat or before we tweet, although they are important things we must do before we connect. 

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. For each week in the month of October, the 436th Communications Squadron, in coordination with AMC/A6, will focus on a new cyber-awareness related topic. The first week in October will focus on "cybersecurity as a shared responsibility." As with any shared responsibility, each connected user is challenged with creating a safer on-line environment by securing their area of cyberspace.

This year marks the 5th-year anniversary of the Stop, Think, Connect, or S.T.C. campaign.

STOP: before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.

In AMC, we utilize the R.E.A.D. methodology when reviewing email traffic. Is your email relevant, expected, addressed correctly and digitally signed? These are the indicators that could thwart a computer or cyber security incident.

At home, use a similar methodology before you open suspicious emails. Is your email from someone you know and expect to hear from; is it addressed correctly; and does the email make sense? Does the email contain hyperlinks that the sender wants you to click? Answering no to the first three questions are indicators of a potentially malicious email while answering yes to the last question is another indicator of potential threat.

THINK: Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety or your family's safety.

In AMC, our critical global mission makes us a target for the adversary - don't make it easy for them by posting sensitive information or Geo-tagging locations and don't post potentially sensitive information on social media sites.

At home, our families could become potential targets when posting random bits of personal information on social media sites. Educate your families on the risks associated to a connected environment and posting too much information that could lead to physical or emotional threats.

CONNECT: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you've taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.

In AMC, we use the internet and wireless connections with confidence knowing our network defenders have controls in place.

At home, it is critical to protect your home network and connectible devices with strong passwords and antivirus software. Additionally, be aware of using unsecured public wireless networks, public computers, and the physical theft of your personal devices.

No matter if you are part of team Dover as a military member, civilian, government contractor or a family member, before you connect remember to Stop, Think, Connect. Cyber Security is everyone's responsibility. Protect your information at home and at work!