RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- There is a real threat to our computer networks. But the nature of the threat has changed over the last few years.
Many remember slogans of the '70s and '80s, "Beware, the third man is listening," with reference to foreign intelligence sources targeting our communications-computer systems. Through cryptography provided by the National Security Agency and the services, the United States was successful in protecting classified information from hostile intercept.
The age of the network, however, poses a different threat. Foreign intelligence agents may well be targeting sensitive unclassified information for industrial intelligence value; corporate entities may have an interest in the information; and there is the unstructured threat posed by increasingly sophisticated hackers.
Air Education and Training Command is countering network threats through a new computer network monitoring device. The ASIM, Automated Security Incident Measurement system, is designed to detect suspicious activity on our computer networks.
"Illegal use of our computers is a serious concern," said Col. Bud Bell, director, AETC's Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems. "As our use of Internet and World Wide Web sites grow, our core activities become more threatened by the irresponsible acts of a few."
The ASIM's primary purpose is to catch intruders who try to break into Air Force computer systems. Recently, information collected by an ASIM system was instrumental in law enforcement agencies identifying several individuals hacking into Air Force computers.
According to Jim Worley, AETC Information Protection office chief, the ASIM system monitors all traffic passing through a base's Internet gateway. This has included isolated instances of network users downloading pornographic computer files from the Internet.
"The Internet is a new and exciting means of sharing information," said Bell. "But all of us need to remain aware that there are people who would knowingly, or even unknowingly, violate network security policies. ASIM systems are helping us guard against these threats."
ASIM systems are installed at four AETC bases: Randolph and Lackland Air Force Bases, Texas; Maxwell AFB, Ala.; and Keesler AFB, Miss. Worley projects the remaining AETC bases will have ASIMs installed by early summer. (Courtesy of AETC News Service. Murphy is assigned to AETC Computer Systems.)