By MC3 Brian H. Abel

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Brandon Misiewicz, left, and Coordinator of Secured Computing Bobby Hillard, right, are part of the team required to ensure NPS’ Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET), the computer network DOD uses to transfer and view classified information by authorized personnel, is operating at Navy, DOD required levels. And according to a recent audit, the Information Technology and Communications Services (ITACS) team is clearly on the right track.

“Accounts are issued tokens similar to your common access card which students, faculty and staff use to log in,” said Hillard. “We have to issue, manage, make changes, and keep a documented record of all the tokens.

“The Auditors checked our records to ensure we were going through proper procedures,” Hillard continued. “They checked our issuing of tokens, resetting pins, backing up information, logs and computers.”

This year, the ITACS team performed better than they have in the past. “In 2014, we had a 77 percent rating, and this year we’ve increased it to 88.29 percent,” said Director of Classified Computing, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Parker.

Hillard added that his team continues to improve with the added assistance from the auditors.

“The auditors helped us understand our deficiencies and gave us training and information on how we can improve,” he said.