NOVEMBER 3, 2021 – October was Cybersecurity Awareness Month and, of course, we were reminded to think about how we browse the internet and the potential dangers out there when we get online.
However, we can’t just be careful one month and then completely ignore the dangers the rest of the year.
According to Dr. Kathy Linderman, chief information officer for the U.S. Army Sustainment Command G6 (Information Management), we have to think of cybersecurity all year long, and individuals can make the difference when it comes to securing our networks, both on and off duty.
“Cybersecurity is not just a G6 challenge,” she said. “Most cybersecurity incidents result from simple human errors, such as using a weak password, clicking on a malicious link or posting sensitive information on social media.”
The results can be devastating, Linderman said. “Personal information may be compromised, infrastructure and services can be shut down, or deployed personnel could be put at risk.”
Luckily, there is a lot of information available about safe internet habits. In fact, the U.S. Army Cyber Command has a wealth of knowledge to share through helpful tips to assist you in staying safe and protecting your information when you are online.
In particular, ARCYBER warns Army families to be especially careful, given the nature of their connection to the military.
For instance, when it comes to social media, it specifically advises military members and their families to be careful of what kind of information they share with others.
The following tips from ARCYBER highlights the dangers of posting sensitive information and how it can be exploited by our adversaries:
- Social media concerns for Army families and Family Readiness Groups
- Family Readiness Groups, Army spouses, and Army family members need to know that posting sensitive information can be detrimental to Soldier safety.
- Always assume that our adversaries are reading every post made to a social media platform. Ensure that information posted online has no significant value to those adversaries.
- Even seemingly innocent posts about a family member’s deployment or redeployment date can put them at risk. Small bits of information can be assembled to make big pictures.
Linderman concurs.
“Because many incidents result from human error, the responsibility for protecting Army information systems and data falls on each of us,” she said. “Outside of routine annual training, Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides us with the opportunity to remind the workforce that our constant vigilance is critical.”
The bottom line: Don’t post anything that could put you, or anyone else, in a compromising position and, while surfing the internet and posting on social media can be fun, it’s important to be alert, be wary, and be smart.
For more online safety tips from the ARCYBER, go to Army Cyber Command Fact Sheets.
Story by Greg Wilson
U.S. Army Sustainment Command