CHEYENNE – The Wyoming National Guard completed preparations for the U.S. Army Cyber Command Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment to evaluate its cybersecurity posture on Friday.
The preparations were in collaboration with the U.S. Army National Guard Cyber Hygiene Assistance Team (CHAT), which works to protect the grid. The team assisted the Wyoming Army National Guard through an assistance mission conducted Aug. 19-23.
The assessment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the highest level of security across the Department of Defense Information Network.
“In today’s environment, cyber threats are more pervasive than ever,” according to a press release from the Wyoming National Guard. “Transnational criminal groups and nation-states engage in daily cyber attacks, targeting critical infrastructure.”
The CORA assessment is intended to be a comprehensive process, analyzing technological infrastructure and operational practices related to cybersecurity. Over the course of two weeks, the inspection helps to determine an organization's overall risk to the DOD Information Network.
“CORA isn't just a check on the technology in use,” Army Guard CHAT team lead Lt. Col. Stephen Fish said. “It’s an all-encompassing inspection that looks at the security-minded culture of users, leadership engagement in cyber and personal security, policies, procedures, and how information is secured on classified and unclassified networks. This holistic approach reduces overall risk to our national security.”
High-risk organizations may face severe consequences, such as being quarantined or disconnected from the DOD network, according to the press release.
The long term collaboration of this process aids in its success, according to the press release. The Army Guard prepares for six months prior to the inspection, undergoing weekly meetings and in-depth evaluations of cybersecurity areas.
Three months into the inspection the CHAT conducts a one-week, on-site mission, working with personnel. The information from this mission allows state senior leadership to make informed decisions on necessary actions.
“The CHAT program has been instrumental in increasing cybersecurity across the Army Guard,” Fish said.
When Fish started in 2019, the Army Guard had a pass rate of CORA’s predecessor, the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection, was roughly 50%. Fish credits the CHAT program for the improved pass rate of over 90%.
Though the Army Guard has implemented proactive measures to strengthen its defenses, every user plays a role in safeguarding the network, according to Lejeune.
“The Army National Guard deploys a sophisticated and effective cyber defense infrastructure to protect against these threats,” said Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard deputy chief of staff information management. “However, technology alone is not the answer—people are the solution. Our G6 [Department of Information Management] has a very talented group of individuals who fight this fight every day, but everyone who uses the network is needed to defend it.”
Tips:
Don’t leave Common Access Cards in computers, avoid using your phone number as your PIN: With the rise of identity theft and the ease of accessing personal information, securing your access credentials is crucial.Avoid using wireless keyboards and mice: The frequencies used by these devices are not secure and can be intercepted. Wired versions offer a more secure alternative.Protect personally identifiable information and adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements: Preventing identity theft is essential for maintaining individual readiness.Follow controlled unclassified information, operational, informational and physical security measures: Protecting sensitive and classified information is vital to national security.Educate and protect yourself: Start with the personal measures outlined in the annual Cyber Awareness Challenge. These steps will protect you and safeguard your loved ones.
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