The Importance of Strong Cybersecurity Measures
Military communication is often associated with battlefield operations. However, it does not always begin and end in combat zones. A significant portion is conducted by personnel in call centers and administrative offices as well as SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) and SAPFs (Special Access Program Facilities). These behind-the-scenes employees exchange administrative messages everyday as well as often help to ensure that missions run smoothly by safeguarding sensitive information critical to national security.
In 2024, the education sector experienced the highest year-over-year increase in weekly global cyberattacks at 75%. The government was second, with a 43% increase in these type of attacks, making strong cybersecurity practices more important than ever.
Types of Cyberattacks
China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and the United States are the top countries capable of large-scale cyber warfare. These cyberattacks take many forms and are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Below are the three most common types:
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Malware
Malware is defined as malicious software designed to specifically disrupt or steal sensitive information from devices or end points on a network. It can appear as ransomware, adware, botnets, cryptojacking, spyware and trojans.
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Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts critical data and demands payment for its release, disrupting operations and potentially funding future attacks. In a military setting, ransomware could expose supplier, logistics, and distribution information, resulting in strategic advantages to adversaries and even weaken national defense capabilities.
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Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
DDoS is a large-scale, coordinated attack using botnets (also known as compromised computers or malware infected devices) to flood a server or system with traffic. This overwhelms the system’s bandwidth, causing disruption or blocked access. Recently, DDoS attacks have occurred in Crimea, a key area in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.'
Strengthening Military Communications
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Software Strategy: Testing and Timely Updates
Every agency should have a cybersecurity awareness program that includes testing software updates in a controlled environment before rolling them out across an organization. Once deemed safe, automatic software updates are ideal to avoid human delay and error. Timely updates help negate any vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Finally, it is critical to know if communications equipment currently in use has been discontinued by the manufacturer, as this may present an enhanced security risk when updates or patches are no longer available.
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Compliant Technology Solutions
Only compliant technical communication products should be used. The Department of Defense (DoD) enforces strict compliance protocols regarding communications equipment in non-secure spaces as well as SCI or SAP (Special Access Program) Facilities. Per the DoD’s memorandum on collaboration peripherals, personally-owned headsets, microphones, desktop telephone units, and webcam devices cannot be used in protected areas. Wireless headsets are prohibited in both restricted and non-secure environments. In SCIFs or SAPFs, wired headsets must have PTT (push-to-talk) functionality.
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End-to-End Encryption
End-to-end encryption ensures communication is only accessible to the sender and intended recipient(s). This security technology uses two cryptographic keys: a public key and a private key. Even if a message is intercepted, it cannot be decrypted without the private key. Also, it ensures data is not altered during transmission, a critical factor to protecting a nation’s security.
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Employee Training
With cyber threats on the rise, the military cybersecurity market is projected to grow to $15.14 billion in 2025. The frontline of defense is personnel, both uniformed as well as administrative. Departments must go beyond traditional training methods, as modern threats often involve AI (artificial intelligence) and social engineering. While AI can create new risks, it can also be a valuable training tool that simulates real-world cyber threats. It provides dynamic situations that cannot be supplied by traditional training methods. Addressing human error in training is particularly important as 60% of breaches have been attributed to it.
Be Mission Ready with Strong Communication Practices
Investing in high-quality communication products for military office environments is a strategic necessity. Every network endpoint, including headsets, must be safeguarded against cyber threats while supporting efficiency and comfort for military professionals.
Headsets from SHG (Secure Headset Group®) are trusted by the Department of Defense (DoD), every branch of the U.S. military, and numerous government agencies. All military products are TAA and 889/NDAA compliant, and meet the requirements of the Memorandum on Collaboration issued by the DoD. Furthermore, SHG’s PTT (push-to-talk) solutions meet the most stringent government compliance protocols.
If you need a headset solution, contact us at 1-800-827-9715 or contact@secureheadsets.com. We would be proud to be your headset partner of choice.