Defending Tyndall AFB In Cyber Space
by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves May 5,
2022
Tyndall’s 325th Communications Squadron
works with service members, civilian government employees and
government contractors to improve and help solve problems with
computer-based issues.
To keep Tyndall operationally ready
to support a variety of missions, communications Airmen focus on
maintaining software and hardware equipment, implementing technology
modernization and delivering customer service fit to meet customers’
needs. The 325th CS client services section resolves communications
issues not only for the 325th Fighter Wing, but also the many tenant
units located on the installation.
From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bryce Moorehead,
325th Communications Squadron communications focal point
technician, and Tech. Sgt. Jommel Lazaga, 325th CS CFP
noncommissioned officer in charge, solve a computer issue at
Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida on April 5, 2022.
Communications Airmen must consider many factors when
navigating technological communications, including computer
security, communications security, operational security and
information security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt.
Magen M. Reeves)
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“[Tyndall’s] tenant units rely heavily on
the host unit,” said Master Sgt. Brandon Jones, 325th CS client
systems flight chief. “We help with the overall user experience,
finalizing patches and updates, making sure software and services
are up to date, deterring bad actors and helping users understand
their responsibility.”
Communications Airmen must consider a
multitude of factors when it comes to navigating the ever evolving
world of technological communications, including taking into account
computer security, communications security, operational security and
information security.
“There are so many security measures
being pushed down through the network,” said Jones. “As cyber
defense, we’re blocking thousands of adversaries per day so that we
can be 100 percent focused on Tyndall’s mission.”
The unit’s
current initiative is to modernize the IT infrastructure to provide
the base with the latest technology that the Air Force has to offer.
“On average, Information Technology assets are replaced
every three years, through the asset management program” said Senior
Master Sgt. Darius Harper, 325th CS operations superintendent.
“Resource advisors, IT account property custodians and unit
leadership have to plan and work together to [fund and support]
upgrades before the hardware and software expires.”
However,
Harper explained it is important for users to remember to
continuously maintain and educate themselves on “user
responsibility.”
“When you notice your computer is running
slow or software is about to expire you have to take action,” said
Harper. “You have valid concerns and [we want to help] those
concerns be voiced in the right area.”
The squadron has
multiple systems in place to report issues and seek help from the
technical professionals. According to Jones, the squadron
understands when users get frustrated when their computers
malfunction and the unit does care.
However, the unit must work according to
priority by the “first in, first out” method. There are also Air
Force-wide standards and procedures that the squadron has to take
into account when working to modernize and solve issues.
“We
must consider cybersecurity,” said Harper. “We have to run checks,
filters, evaluate data, and sometimes apply security patches to
ensure that we maintain control over potential vulnerabilities from
outside influences and aggressors.”
Every time an operating
system is upgraded, the Air Force relies on communications squadrons
and their Airmen to effectively adjust for the gaps that arise when
[operating system] platforms are phased out.
From front, U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Carlos Ochoa
and Jillian Martinez and Airman 1st Class Clayton
Montgomery, 325th Communications Squadron client systems
technicians, reimage a laptop at Tyndall Air Force Base,
Florida on April 5, 2022. Reimaging refers to the process of
installing a new operating system which can be required when
older platforms are phased out. (U.S. Air Force photo by
Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves)
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“It is important to recognize how far we
have come,” said Harper. “Within the past year and a half or so, we
have upgraded users’ storage capabilities from 30 gigabytes to 100,
included one terabyte of cloud storage, 24/7 access to systems and
virtual private network channels.”
“We’ve upgraded the
infrastructure, power, speed and bandwidth,” Harper continued. “As
the Installation of the Future, we are operating in a space no other
base in the Air Force is. All BOTF functions involve the
communications squadron in some way [as we] internally modernize for
the long term future.”
With 6,000 computer users located on the installation and many
responsibilities to maintain, squadron personnel ensure the
availability of telephone and computer networks, IT adversary
detection systems and wireless communications, just to name a few.
“Our guys do it all with a smile,” said Harper. “Failure is not
an option.”
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