434th CS sets bar high during CCRI

Published Nov. 30, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- It's not uncommon to read stories about Airmen deploying to the battlefield, but an unconventional battlefield at each of our desktops that is not often heard of remains safe due to Grissom's cyber warriors.

The 434th Communications Squadron recently received high marks on their Command Cyber Readiness Inspection while setting the bar for other organizations.

"The CCRI is a network inspection aimed at improving security of the Department of Defense information network and is conducted by Defense Information Systems Agency," said Brent Rose, 434th CS deputy director. "The inspection ensures computers and the infrastructures used to traverse the network are clear of vulnerabilities and adhere to security standards."

Grissom's score couldn't have been achieved without the help of his staff and cooperation across the base, said Rose.

"We have to be able to scan 95 percent of our computers for vulnerabilities," he added. "Then those vulnerabilities have to be mitigated by staff members who follow up with the vulnerabilities identified by the reports produced after each scan."

While the inspections allows 2.49 vulnerability per each asset, Grissom received .59 vulnerabilities per asset, the lowest number seen by DISA.

"Approximately 3000 assets had to be scanned in order to do as well as we did," said Dan Harshman, 434th CS director of operations. "This truly was a team effort that started with [Col. Douglas Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander] and worked itself down the chain."

The inspection also looked at the base's technical and operational adherence to Department of Defense standard practices and policies, which includes non-secure and secure network compliance, physical security and information assurance practices.

"This was the first inspection we had, but it's more than just getting ready for an inspection," said Harshman. "Cyber security to protect our network from malicious attacks requires continuous maintenance and support from the entire base, and that process never stops."

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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434th CS sets bar high during CCRI

434th CS sets bar high during CCRI

Public Affairs Staff