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Scott earns ‘Excellent’ rating in cyber security inspection

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Marisa Miyamura
  • 375th Communications Group
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Just one week after successfully completing an Information Assurance Assessment and Assistance Program, or IAAP, inspection, Team Scott jumped into a thorough Cyber Compliance Readiness Inspection, or CCRI, finishing with an overall "Excellent" rating.

The five-day inspection, which began April 2, focused on ensuring cyber security standards were maintained for the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, or SIPRNet, and included physical security as well. With less than eight months leading up to the inspection, the preparation efforts were comprehensive and involved a close partnership between the 375th Communications Group and numerous organizations, to include Defense Information Systems Agency, Air Force Space Command Communications, Air Mobility Command Communications, 24th Air Force, 67th Network Warfare Wing, Headquarters AMC, 18th Air Force and the 561st Network Operations Squadron, Detachment 3. In essence, all of Team Scott came together to undergo the inspection.

Col. Patrick Gooley, 375th Communications Group commander, said throughout the entire process, "It's about mission assurance and we as a team are responsible for creating a culture that reinforces that mindset."

The 375th Communications Squadron worked 12-hour shifts leading up to the inspection, and Team Scott milestones included a base-wide information technology refresh and transforming Bldgs. 1600, P61 and portions of 1700 into Controlled Access Areas, or CAA. The CCRI team praised the implementation of the weekly SIPRNet Uptime Policy as a "Best Practice," and plan on pushing it as a benchmark policy for other military installations.

Team Scott's success demonstrates resiliency and "shows that the base as a whole has adopted the, 'culture of compliance' mentality, with every individual doing his or her part," said Capt. Aaron Lake, 375th CS director of operations. "The simple act of powering on a SIPRNet workstation on a regular basis ensures security patches are up to date and is the single best way to thwart an infiltration."

Col. Michael Hornitschek, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, used the words "Showcase Pride" as he congratulated the communication team at the end of the final hotwash. "This was truly a Team Scott effort," said Hornitschek. "I thank everyone for your professionalism and dedication."