Eielson takes a hard stance on USB drive use

  • Published
  • By Capt. Stacie Rembold
  • 354th Communications Squadron
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  USB devices pose a unique threat to our warfighting system, the Department of Defense Global Information Grid. These devices are susceptible to viruses that specifically target only USB or flash memory devices, which makes their use on the DoD network a huge vulnerability that we simply can't afford.

Thumb drives, USB devices and other types of flash media to include cameras, cell phones, Blackberries, iPods and iPhones have been banned from the Department of Defense network since November 2008, yet network users are still secretly using them. This is a direct violation of both the DoD network policy and order of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. DoD and the Air Force have had no feasible way of enforcing this policy...until now.

To determine the scope of the problem, 354th Communication Squadron ran a preliminary scan for these banned devices and found approximately 20 individuals across Eielson using USB devices on the network on any given day.

The 354th Communications Squadron is now regularly monitoring the use of USB devices. Violators of this policy are subject to suspension of user network privileges for a period of 30 days and will be required to re-accomplish information protection training.

In an age where we rely so heavily on computers and network access, we must enforce standards. Commanders will also have the option to take administrative action under Article 92 of the UCMJ as the use of these devices is in violation of a direct order.

Similar action has been taken at other bases such as Kadena, where users spanning all ranks from A1C to Lt Col violated the DoD ban and were subsequently arrested and lost network privileges for 30 days. Protecting our weapon systems is a top priority, and consequences for intentionally introducing threats to them will be swift and tough.