MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — The U.S. Department of the Air Force is hosting a cybersecurity conference in Montgomery to discuss threats to national defense.
The department's Information Technology and Cyberpower Event (DAFITC) is taking place at the Renaissance Hotel. Over 4,000 airmen, women and guardians as well as military leaders are attending the three-day conference, which ends Wednesday.
"I just really want everybody to understand how much time we spend inside the military and really the national leadership, to focus on defending and securing so we can continue to live in a free democracy," Col. Joshua H. Rockhill said.
Col. Rockhill is the commander of the 688th Cyberspace Wing, a unit of the Air Force described as the first of its kind.
"The reason we're here is to bring those ideas together and decide how to best respond to the threats we face, whether that be China, Russia or whoever it may be," Col. Rockhill said. "The partnerships we forge here enable that dialogue to be as transparent and trusted as possible."
Chief Master Sergeant Lorenda Wong said their wing is responsible for securing the Air Force Information Network.
"We don't want to fall victim to any type of attack, so our tigers are defending that network every single day," Sgt. Wong said.
According to Lt. Col. David Coonce, these attacks can come through the apps we use.
"Some of the foreign countries and the apps that they're creating, they say they can share their data or even use your device," Lt. Col. Coonce said. "Knowing a little bit more about it and the aspects that go along there -- that's the biggest key, just education."
That education and knowledge is what Maj. Steven O'Dell with the Air Force Wargaming Institute said prepares them for future battles, in whatever way they might come.
"The defense of our nation is a team effort," O'Dell said. "Every organization, every unit and every member contributes to that national defense."