16th Air Force’s 688th Cyberspace Wing Boosts Network Security to Block Fast-Moving Threats

  • Published
  • By 16th Air Force Public Affairs
JBSA-LACKLAND, Texas --  The 688th Cyberspace Wing, part of the 16th Air Force, is strengthening the Department of the Air Force's computer networks to block cyber threat actors who are launching attacks faster than ever.

“As Artificial intelligence rapidly shapes the threat landscape at remarkable speed, we must proactively adapt our defenses to stay ahead of emerging threats,” said Col. Chantal Booker, commander, 688th Cyberspace Wing. “Our cyber warriors are in the fight every day, ensuring lethality, defending the vital infrastructure that our force projection depends on.”

The wing continues to make the necessary ‘hardening’ efforts to protect Air Force computer networks.

Phase One: Security Checks Before Connecting

On July 8, the wing rolled out the first phase of the security system called Comply-to-Connect (C2C), a U.S. Department of War (DoW)–driven cybersecurity framework that verifies devices meet security standards before allowing it to access military networks. The system functions as a digital gatekeeper, ensuring only compliant devices can authenticate to and operate on the DoW Information Network (DoWIN).

During this initial rollout, cyber operators checked computers against five critical security pillars depicted in the graphic.
Devices that did not meet the standards were quarantined and flagged for hands-on remediation from local communications squadrons to restore compliance and strengthen overall network security.

Phase Two: Approved Software Only

The next major step, scheduled for August, is the rollout of automated application whitelisting. This automated system identifies and removes unapproved software and prevents unauthorized applications from operating. To support operations, local communications squadrons are compiling unit-specific lists of mission-essential, approved software.

While no network is entirely risk-free, pairing the C2C framework with application whitelisting strengthens the 688th CW’s efforts to harden Air Force networks into a more resilient foundation for modern warfighting and for sustaining the long-range kill chain.

The 688th Cyberspace Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is aligned under the Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), Air Combat Command.

The wing is the Air Force's premier cyberspace warfighting organization dedicated to delivering actionable intelligence and tactics, techniques, and procedures; deployable warfighter communications; engineering and installation capabilities; defensive cyber operations; and network security operations across the Air Force Information Network enterprise.

Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, the Sixteenth Air Force is responsible for the Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission and capabilities; operationalizing weather forecasting for the joint force; leading the cryptologic activities of the Department; operating and defending the Department’s information network; and commanding and controlling the joint forces assigned by U.S. Cyber Command to execute offensive and defensive cyberspace operations that protect national interests and project combat power.