Free home-use software to increase cyber security, employee efficiency Published Oct. 23, 2012 By Staff Reports 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the 100th Air Refueling Wing Information Assurance office is encouraging base personnel to "Keep home systems protected." The best way to protect a system is to ensure the computer is patched and has a good antivirus program. Additionally, eligible employees of the Air Force can use the Microsoft Home Use Program which offers Microsoft programs at a significantly reduced rate. Operating system security patches and updates should be installed as soon as available; but no later than 30 days after release from a vendor. If possible, users should have systems set to automatically download patches to the OS and any applications that have an automatic update feature. The Department of Defense Antivirus Software License Agreement with McAfee and Symantec allows active DOD employees to utilize the antivirus software at home. Home use of the antivirus products will not only protect personal PCs, but will potentially lessen the threat of employees bringing malicious logic into work and compromising DOD networks. DOD military and civilian personnel can download free antivirus software for their home computers from the DOD Patch Repository website. NOTE: Contractors are excluded from using the software at home or on any other system not belonging to the DOD. Antivirus Software link: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/contentView.do?contentType=EDITORIAL&c ontentId=c5FDEA9F0236E621601237C6DD98101F8&channelPageId=sA1FBF31D2377130901 237B8FD0440136&programId=tF575FC8E236E61F101237BCF53140683 The Microsoft Home Use Program is designed to help increase employee productivity and satisfaction, while maximizing the value of the Air Force's investment in Microsoft Office desktops. Eligible employees, including contractors, may obtain a licensed copy of qualifying Microsoft Office desktop software to install and use on a home computer. Software available for approximately $9.95 through the HUP includes Office Professional Plus 2010 and Office for Mac 2011. Office Professional Plus 2010 includes Word 2010, Excel 2010, PowerPoint 2010, Outlook 2010, OneNote2010, SharePoint Workspace 2010, Publisher 2010, Access 2010, and InfoPath 2010. Microsoft Home Use Program: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/browse.do?programId=tF575FC8E236E61F10 1237BCF9A8F0685&channelPageId=sA1FBF31D2377130901237B8FD0440136 For more information concerning patches, antivirus measures and the HUP, contact your unit information assurance office or 100th ARW IA office at DSN 238-3111 or commercial at 01638-543111.