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March 13,  2003

Free software helps protect AMC people, mission

By Tech. Sgt. Mark Diamond
AMC Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AMCNS) -- A new license contract between the Defense Information Systems Agency and a leading software developer gives Air Mobility Command people more free options in protecting their personal home computers.

In the contract between DISA and Network Associates -- the makers of McAfee antivirus software -- civilian and uniformed members of the Department of Defense can download free antivirus and desktop firewall software for their home computers.

Although the McAfee software became available to DOD for home use Jan. 31, for years DISA has maintained a similar contract with the Symantec Corporation, allowing DOD employees to download Norton antivirus software, the same software used to protect Air Force computer systems.

Both software license agreements are part of DISA's Enterprise Anti-Virus Software Initiative, which acknowledges that safeguarding personal computers and their data has become just as important as safeguarding computers in the workplace.

Steve Quinn, the Information Assurance Flight chief with the 805th Computer Systems Squadron at Scott AFB, Ill., said the software license contracts not only benefit AMC people in their homes, it's important in the protection of AMC computer networks.

"A lot of people take work home with them and if they don't have good antivirus software, there's a distinct possibility they could infect government computer systems," Quinn said.

He said it is especially crucial in AMC because the command's centralized virus checkers scan all data coming into the network, but rely on individual desktop software to catch viruses originating from within the network.

"At Scott AFB alone, we have 13,000-plus computers. Although all of these computers are protected with Norton antivirus software, the chance that a virus can be introduced into one of these systems -- because the computer is not updated or configured correctly -- is a chance we don't want to take."

He said the effects of virus attacks, such as the "I Love You" and "Code Red" viruses, inundated both commercial and military computer networks.

Quinn said although AMC now has a good handle on virus protection, many home computer users do not.

He added that any person who owns a home computer should have antivirus software installed on that computer.

"Viruses are very destructive," Quinn said. "They can wipeout or destroy data and directories, change files, and steal information. Other viruses, called backdoor viruses, can allow a stranger to look at everything on your computer, including financial information and personal data."

Quinn said installing virus protection is easy and will help AMC people protect themselves and the Air Force. He added that by removing the cost of purchasing antivirus software and subscription fees, he can't understand why any AMC employee would not take advantage of DISA's free antivirus software initiatives.

"Installing antivirus software on a home computer is simple," Quinn explained. "And for people who transfer data between their work and home computers, it's imperative that they take advantage of this free software - not only for their own protection, but for the protection of Air Force computer systems."

To install Norton antivirus software on a personal home computer, AMC personnel can contact their workgroup manager for a copy of the installation CD.

Information and download instructions are available at McAfee's Home Use Portal Service at www.mcafee.com/DOD.

For more information about home use of DOD antivirus software, AMC people can contact their local information assurance office, or call the 805th CSS Information Assurance Office at DSN 576-4609.