Protect others, yourself by safeguarding e-mail traffic

Published Aug. 23, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Staff Writer

Tinker Public Affairs --       Each day, hundreds of thousands of e-mails are transmitted across Tinker's network, many of which are not encrypted. While encryption is not required for everyday casual e-mails, it is required for e-mails containing "for official use only" or Privacy Act information.
     Personnel who have access to unclassified but sensitive data are at the greatest risk for a cyber attack. And, if they're not careful, the results could be disastrous. Officials said by simply encrypting an e-mail, which can be likened to securing a personal letter in an envelope or knowing where a spare house key is located, the likelihood of a hacker getting that information is drastically reduced.
     "Operations security awareness and execution is crucial to Tinker's success, and there are potential risks free-floating out there," said Eb Bauer, Tinker Installation OPSEC Program manager. "Encrypting your e-mail will keep all but the most dedicated hackers from intercepting and reading your private communications or operations security critical information."
     If a hacker infiltrates an e-mail account, he can launch a virus that will infect a host's computer and arbitrarily send non-encrypted files, which may include FOUO or Privacy Act documents.
     "Those kinds of things can really get people in some trouble," Mr. Bauer said. "There's administration disciplinary action, civil action against the Air Force and the individuals involved with Privacy Act violations can face pretty significant fines."
     To alert a receiver of an FOUO document, make note of it in an e-mail subject head, before the actual subject. Additionally, mention it again in the body of the note as, "This e-mail contains FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (FOUO) information, which must be protected by the Privacy Act and AFI 33-332."
     E-mails can be set for encryption by going to the Microsoft Outlook inbox tab options. After clicking on the "Trust Center" option in the "Tools" tab, a user can view options of encryption. They are listed via the "E-mail Security" tab.