Groton-Based Sailors Learn Information Security during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Nearly 40 officers currently enrolled in the Submarine Officers Advanced Course at Naval Submarine Base New London attended a three-day Naval Security Manager's Course in Groton, Oct. 3-5.

The three-day course was taught by two visiting instructors from the NCIS Security Training Assistance and Assessment Teams Atlantic (STAATLANT), which is based in Little Creek, Va.

STAATLANT is part of STAAT, which is composed of units comprised of some 140 experienced military and civilian physical security specialists stationed around the world who provide expert competencies in physical security assessment and tactical training.

Eric Arumae, a member of STAAT for the past four years understands the importance of security. After serving more than two decades in Naval Special Warfare he applies the lessons he has learned over his extensive career by emphasizing the importance of both security training and safeguarding information.

"These students are gaining a general knowledge of requirements on how to properly safeguard classified information," said Arumae.

Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Haynie, senior military lead, echoed Arumae's discipline for properly training military and civilian alike in safeguarding all types of information.

"Our main role this week is to not only train these security managers to do their job properly, but to continuously remind them the importance of information security and how to safeguard, transmit and store sensitive information," said Haynie.

This year alone, Arumae and Haynie have taught nearly 500 people the essentials of the Security Manager's Course. Haynie reflected on the cost saving measure of providing this essential training through the mobile training team.

"We consider this program so important that we are using mobile training teams to provide the necessary training to the fleet," said Haynie.

This training is not only invaluable to these students said Haynie, but it also coincides with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which occurs annually in October. According to a Presidential Proclamation, which was signed by President Barack Obama proclaims October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

"Our growing reliance on technology reminds us that our digital infrastructure is not just a convenience; it is a strategic national asset. During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we recommit to ensuring our information and infrastructure remain secure, reliable, and resilient," according to the presidential proclamation. "I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of cybersecurity and to observe this month with activities, events, and trainings that will enhance our national security and resilience."

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.