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Internet-Based Capabilities enhanced on U.S. Army Europe networks

Apr 14, 2010

By Jonathon Gray (US Army 5th Signal Command)

WIESBADEN, Germany (Apr. 14, 2010) -- Internet-Based Capabilities, to include Social Media Web sites such as Facebook and Myspace, can now be accessed from U.S. Army Europe Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network computers.

"Opening up these Internet-Based Capabilities is an important step to allow users to connect, communicate, and research by leveraging this growing resource," said Col. John A. Cox, acting commander, 5th Signal Command.

The USAREUR policy is a product of recent announcements by both Department of Defense and Department of the Army officials to allow access to sites. Though the policy has been updated, securing the network is still a critical priority. USAREUR network usage is monitored, cautions Cox: "It's important to remember that even though these network resources are turned on and accessible, users are on a Department of Defense Information System.Activities on IBC sites will still be monitored and users should act according to the Acceptable Use Policy they signed." USAREUR Operation Communications and Information Systems and 5th Signal Command will constantly monitor these tools and update respective controls and security measures to protect the users and the network while enhancing network capabilities.

"We have basic network protection in place and will continue to monitor the network for malicious activity associated with IBC," said Lt. Col. Kurt A. Schosek, Director Europe-Theater Network Operations and Security Center, 5th Signal Command.

Beyond the technological security of the network, users of DoD computer systems still have to be aware of the content of sites they visit. Users can better protect the computers and themselves by being observant and watchful, connecting only with sites that are known and not following unknown links or messages to different sites and pages. Operational Security is also a key concern. "Our biggest help to security and the integrity of the network is the users," said Cox. "Soldiers and civilians must remain vigilant and aware of what they do on the computers and remember that network is a tool of our national defense that we depend on to accomplish our missions. We must protect it."

IBC capabilities will only be allowed a limited amount of data transfer speed on the network to allow mission critical data to continue. "These and other measures are in place to ensure IBC capabilities will not adversely affect mission critical operations," said Schosek. "This guarantees that our network will still be active and available for all Warfighters."

For Information Assurance Awareness training, please visit https://ia.signal.army.mil/DoDIAA/default.asp. Additional information is available to computer users on the EUR domain at https://itt.eur.army.mil. Users can follow the "News" or "Links" sections for IA training opportunities and information.

For further information on IBC and the impact to the network, please contact your information assurance officer, your servicing computer help desk, or dial 119.

POC for this release is Lawrence Torres III, public affairs officer, 5th Signal Command at 0611-705-8033 (commercial), 337-8033 (DSN), or lawrence.torresiii@eur.army.mil.