EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- This is a reminder to all base personnel to remain vigilant and aware of potential threats that may affect themselves, their loved ones, and their community.
Two prime examples are those of cybersecurity and personnel safety threats. Safeguarding official and personal digital personae and practicing sound cyber hygiene practices along with situational awareness and vigilance can protect everyone.
All unsolicited digital contacts (phone, text, email, and social media) should be treated with caution. All Airmen must heighten their security awareness and vigilance due to an evolving global threat environment. Report any suspicious activity immediately to help ensure the safety of our personnel, assets, and missions.
Cybersecurity: Any user receiving suspicious communication should employ the following techniques to validate the nature and source of the communication:
1. Do not click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders both on official email systems and personal email systems. DAF365 Outlook provides a “Report Phishing” link in the top ribbon of a received message that sends a report to AFCYBER security personnel.
2. Verify the sender’s identity using known, official contact information prior to responding to an inquiry.
3. Be especially wary of emails or calls creating a sense of urgency, threatening negative consequences, or requesting to meet in person.
4. Establish a “safe word” with family to be used in case of a suspicious call or text from someone claiming to be or impersonating a family member.
Personal safety: Employ heightened vigilance by always maintaining a high level of awareness of surroundings whether that be at work, home, or downtown.
1. Be alert to individuals, activities, or things that seem out of place, loitering, or people questioning about base operations that seemingly shouldn’t be.
2. Pay attention to what normal looks like around your home, neighborhood, and workplace. This will allow you to spot out of the norm incidents and help guide you when determining what to report and when.
3. Vary routines to make it harder for bad actors to target you or loved ones.
4. Be mindful of the increased risk involved with attending large or mass gathering events. Bad actors are more likely to target groups of people versus small groups or lone individuals.
5. Have a general plan of how you intend to be safe or keep loved ones safe when at home, commuting, at work, or downtown. Keep contacts like the Eglin Law Enforcement desk and local police non-emergency numbers in your phone.
"See something, say something": any suspicious behavior, no matter how insignificant it may seem, report it immediately. It is everyone's responsibility to report activity that could indicate a threat.
Reporting channels: Report suspicious activity through chain of command for military members or appropriate law enforcement entities for civilian partners. Be prepared to provide specific details, including what happened, when and where it occurred, and why it was suspicious. If the incident happened on or near Eglin AFB, please contact the Law Enforcement Desk at (850)-882-2000. If the incident happened in the community, please contact local law enforcement through one of their non-emergency phone numbers.
Safety and security are a shared responsibility: The security of installations and safety of personnel and communities are dependent on the collective effort of all Airmen, retirees, and civilian partners. By remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, contribute directly to the force protection posture and mission readiness.