Smartphones, like other privately-owned media, prohibited on government computers

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Certain smartphones offer the convenience of plugging directly into a computer to charge via a USB connection. However, base leadership would like to remind Team Edwards that connecting a smartphone, for any reason, to a government computer is prohibited.

"The Air Force limits Internet access in or out of the internal network through one single point of access - the firewall," said Kevin Montoya, 95th Communications Squadron. "Smartphones potentially open numerous new points of entry to the network."

Mr. Montoya added that potential dangers with these new entry points include unauthorized access to the network; lost administrative control to computer systems; access to sensitive data and inappropriate Internet use.

According to Air Force System Security Instruction 8502, 3.10.3., no privately-owned media, including but not limited to music/video CD/DVDs, iPods, and USB drives, may be used in government-owned systems.

Connecting a smartphone to a computer is like connecting another computer to the network.

Any employee at Edwards with access to a government computer can be monitored.

"Employees are advised every time they log into the network that they consent to monitoring. In addition, since April 27, Integrated Network Operations and Security-East at Langley Air Force Base, Va., implemented the capability to monitor USB ports on network computers around the continental United States. Reports are sent each week to the 95th Air Base Wing Information Assurance Office who then notifies the unit Information Assurance Officer and the unit commander," said Mr. Montoya.

Mr. Montoya said, as a minimum, employees violating the ban on unauthorized USB device usage must retake Information Assurance Awareness training. In addition, commanders and directors may take other administrative actions they deem appropriate.

The squadron has not had any reportable viruses introduced to the network through the use of USB devices but would like to reaffirm Air Force policy because of violations witnessed recently around base.