Flash Drives, Internet-based services still banned on AFDW networks

Published March 10, 2010
By Benjamin Newell
AFDW Public Affairs

Air Force District of Washington -- Air Force District of Washington Airmen should continue to regard flash drives, Internet-based email, social networking services and user-generated content sharing Web sites as off-limits until specific guidelines are written for the Air Force and AFDW specifically, according to 844th Communications Group Commander Col. Curtis Frost.

The Department of Defense recently released guidelines relaxing restrictions on popular computer-based tools, but these guidelines will be implemented by each service on an individual basis. The 844th CG provides operational support and maintenance to Air Force networks throughout the National Capital Region and will issue MAJCOM-level guidance on the changes when Air Force leadership issues service-wide instructions.

"Flash drives present a high risk to Air Force networks. Airmen within AFDW are still prohibited by AFI from using them," said Colonel Frost, adding, "the risk to our networks definitely outweighs the convenience."

AFDW communications officials point to the fact that productivity is not significantly affected by the ban. "Everyone has figured out a way to continue to do their jobs and do them efficiently without flash drives," said Chuck Elmore, AFDW A6 deputy director.

Some offices may eventually be allowed to use flash drives for mission critical, official use only, but not until Air Force specific guidelines are handed down. "We know they're working hard on these guidelines, and we know that they will be implemented in a way that will maintain operational security and protect our networks," said Colonel Frost.

Social networking services, Internet-based email services and user-generated content Web sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Gmail and Yahoo! Messenger will undergo a rollback of restrictions following a DoD Directive-Type Memorandum which took effect immediately. It must also be addressed by Air Force leadership before going into effect within AFDW. DTM 09-026 instructs all DoD components to open their networks to these Internet-based services for official use. "This doesn't mean that everyone gets to spend five hours a day on Facebook with no consequences," said Mr. Elmore. "These services should only be used in an official capacity. They are, after all, great information gathering and organizational tools."

Colonel Frost agreed, "I'd like to get into Linked-In on my work computer, but we want to be sure that these changes don't leave us vulnerable to attack." AFDW computers will be open to these sites when Air Force-wide guidance is available. This guidance is expected to be wider-ranging than changes to the removable memory drive policy and will apply to all DoD computers on the AFDW network.