Command Cyber Readiness Inspection coming to MacDill

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • Thunderbolt editor
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It used to be that a pair of loose lips, or maybe failing to secure a folder stamped "TOP SECRET" could lead to the loss of valuable military information. These days, with the Internet and computer networks, there are nearly countless ways information can make its way into the wrong hands.

How well MacDill is securing that information is what a team of inspectors from the Defense Information Systems Agency will be evaluating April 11 through 15. The Command Cyber Readiness Inspection DISA's newest tool to ensure connections to the Global Information Grid are secure.

Pam Hartnagel, 6th Air Mobility Wing Information Assurance manager, has just a few simple words about this critical inspection: "It's coming; be prepared for it."

The CCRI is on par with the Operational Readiness Inspection in terms of the potential impact, and should not be treated as just a routine once-over of how MacDill is handing information, she said. Computer network protection, security procedures, protocols in classified areas right on down to whether an Airman removes a common access card from a computer when leaving their desk for lunch will be scrutinized.

"It's a serious inspection, and we have to prepare," she said, adding that a series of information bulletins and guidance for preparing will be rolled out over the coming days. A team from her section will also be visiting all units on base to assess compliance and advise MacDill members regarding information protection and issues related to the inspection. It can be the "little things" that people forget, and the goal is to ensure everyone pays attention to details," Ms. Hartnagel said.

"Removing CAC cards, sanitizing your area, making sure people entering secure areas are properly signed in; all these things are important."

Now that MacDill has migrated its computer network to Air Force control, many of the network control and management issues no longer reside locally. That means there are fewer areas of responsibility on base, but that means inspectors will focus even more on "physical security," said Ms. Hartnagel.

"Expect to put in some time preparing your workplace," she said. "They (inspectors) will be taking a good look at physical security issues, so it's not just computers."