BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- With the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection just days away from March 4-8 the 2nd Communications Squadron is in the final stages of preparation to ensure Team Barksdale's systems are compliant, ready and secure.

The CCRI is a biennial inspection conducted by the Defense Information Systems Agency to assess the compliance status and operational readiness of non-secure internet protocol router network - known as NIPR - and secure internet protocol router network, or SIPR internets, as well as traditional and physical security of base facilities.

"The 2 CS recently underwent a mock CCRI exercise. The Information Protection Office, information assurance managers and security managers completed a walkthrough of areas authorized for open storage of secret materials," said Master Sgt. William Parks, 2 CS Quality Assurance NCO in charge. "During this walk through the team discovered the base as a whole has improved the traditional and physical securities that the CCRI inspectors will be inspecting, but we still need some improving."

The mock CCRI identified trends and high risk areas that information technology users need to be aware of such as: communication closets being improperly utilized for storage, documents not properly marked, utilizing cover sheets if needed and computers logged in and left unattended.

"With the inspection coming up everyone who uses the network, regardless of NIPR or SIPR, will be essential players. By logging off daily we can ensure the computers on the network can get necessary security updates to anti-virus, software and security protocols," said Parks. "All users are responsible for keeping the network healthy and secure."

Many things can be done to keep the information network secure::
· Leaving your NIPR machines powered-up at the end of the duty day and fully logged out.
· Follow proper operational security guidelines.
· Always remove your common access card when you leave your desk.
· Ensure classified networks are secured.
· Log on to your SIPRNET every Monday and Wednesday, and keep it up all day for patching.
· Never connect unauthorized devices (i.e. cameras, cell phones, memory sticks, or iPod) to your government computer.
· Never bring cellular devices into areas that are used to process classified information.

While the CCRI inspectors are on Barksdale they will be visiting different squadrons to inspect the physical IT security, but there should be minimal impact to the user.

"During the CCRI there should be minimal impact to the average end-user, but with that said, users may experience latency or other delays in reaching network resources as vulnerability scanning is conducted by the inspectors," said Parks. "Inspectors will also be visiting base facilities to assess physical security and may conduct interviews of unit personnel, if you are questioned by an inspector, do not make up an answer. Refer the inspector to your unit Information Assurance Officer, security manager or to the 2 CS."

No-notice checks and commander walk-throughs will continue until the final completion of the CCRI. For questions or more information on the CCRI, physical security, or traditional security contact your unit security manager or the information protection office at 456-3543.