MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The cyber readiness team here was rated the best in the Defense Department, following a Command Cyber Readiness Inspection (CCRI) May 11-15.
The inspection tested the base's internal network, information assurance programs, traditional security, vulnerability management, Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router network (NIPRNet), Secure Internet Protocol Router network (SIPRNet) and Voice over Internet Protocol.
"It was basically a test of our network security, both physical and digital," said 2nd Lt. Jacob Swink, the 35th Communications Squadron plans and projects flight commander.
Swink said CCRIs typically occur every three years for each installation. The overall results were scored out of 100 percent, with 70 percent qualifying as a minimum passing score. The CCRI is generally regarded as highly demanding; inspectors test the physical security of locations and defense against hackers, among other aspects.
The SIPRNet received a 90.3 percent, an “outstanding" rating, and NIPRNet scored an 89.2 percent, an "excellent" rating. Both were the best ratings in the DOD.
"This is a true testament to the determination of our Airmen," said Lt. Col. Reid Novotny, the 35th CS commander. "At no point during this process did they take status quo for an answer. They challenged every aspect of securing our network and came out top in the Department of Defense."
While the inspection occurred installation-wide, the bulk of the preparation fell on the 35th CS, which consist of about 200 Airmen and civilians. Much of that preparation was routine communications work, such as applying patches for vulnerabilities throughout the network.
Inspectors lauded the preparedness of Misawa, and the ratings spoke for themselves.
"Our Airmen fully accept our fighter wing leadership challenge to maintain this pristine network," Novotny sai
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