Moody IP upholds personnel, information security

  • Published
  • By Airman Dillian Bamman
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In today's world of technology, communication is almost instantaneous and potentially bouncing around millions of people within seconds.

Due to the speed of communication and advancements in technology, the need for information protection is critical in safeguarding sensitive military intelligence.

With the need for stronger security protection, the demand for proper security clearances is on the rise. The 23d Wing Information Protection Office is here to ensure Moody's Airmen are compliant with security procedures.

"Our primary objective here is to assist the commanders at Moody with their security programs, and if the service members holding these security clearances are noncompliant, then that may pose a threat to our security," said Ralph Densmore, 23d WG Personnel Security manager. "The IP office has a zero-tolerance policy on security concerns."

Densmore added that information protection isn't one person's responsibility, but rather the duty of everyone.

"Moody has come a long way when it comes to preventing situations like a breach in security," said Densmore. "[Moody's Airmen] are all briefed in their squadrons on how to protect the sensitive information for their respected career fields."

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kelly Ostrom, 476th Logistics Readiness Squadron superintendent, works directly with Densmore and the IP office in order for her squadron to effectively uphold the standard set by Air Force Instructions.

"They are great at looking through the security clearances and getting them approved very quickly," said Ostrom. "Anytime there is an issue with an Airman in my squadron, they work diligently to get that situation resolved quickly and efficiently."

Ostrom holds the responsibility of security assurance for her squadron. She deals with security clearances by authorizing restricted area badges.

"The biggest thing about security matters, in my opinion, is even though you have a security clearance, you still need to understand if you have a need-to-know," said Ostrom.

Technology and social media play an important role in safeguarding sensitive information, not only for the Airmen, but for their families as well.

"The families get overlooked a lot, especially when it comes to social media," said Ostrom. "We usually know what not to say on Facebook or Twitter, but that sometimes doesn't reach the wives or the parents. Release of specific details on these websites can pose as a threat to our national security."

Technology is everywhere and expanding, so the Air Force needs to continue evolving its security procedures said Ostrom.

"From my 14 years in uniform, I've seen the Air Force come really far, especially due to the Internet," said Ostrom. "We've turned away from keeping papers in a folder to using encrypted emails to protect our information on our computer systems."

The IP office's mission is to protect the 23d WG's interest of security matters, however, all Airmen hold the responsibility of safeguarding sensitive information.

"When it comes to security, the Airmen hold the information that can pose a threat," said Densmore. "It's up to us to ensure these Airmen are able to hold their clearances."