'Notice and Consent': DOD requires compliance to log on to internet Published July 10, 2008 EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- When you logged onto your computer last week did you notice the new logon banner ... or did you just click "OK" without giving it a second thought? Some of you may have also noticed new banners as you accessed .mil web pages and many of you have been asked to sign new cell phone and/or land mobile radio agreements in the last few days. These changes and actions are all part of the DOD's Biennial Notice and Consent Certification for government information systems. Our communications systems are under attack each and every day. Some are intentional attacks carried out by our nation's enemies who access our information systems with the intent of espionage, sabotage or criminal activity. Some are unintentional threats by well-intentioned people who inadvertently cause damage through unintentional disclosures or misconfiguration. If the Department of Defense doesn't monitor these systems, there is no knowledge of when or where specific vulnerabilities exist and if left unabated, have the potential to be exploited. In an effort to protect both our systems and data, the Department of Defense is authorized to monitor, intercept and search all communications traversing or stored on government communications systems, both wired and wireless. Bottom line, when you are using a government system, there should be no expectation of privacy. The only exception to this policy are communications considered privileged as related to personal representation services of attorneys, psychotherapists or clergy, these communications remain private and confidential. Every time you click "OK" during system log-on, pick up a government telephone or sign a user agreement for government-provided cell phones and radios, you're acknowledging that you not only understand the language contained in the agreement, but also that you've received notice of monitoring. Next time you log-on, I urge you to stumble through the six acronyms that are used 20 times ... and digest what "Notice and Consent" really mean. "DOD Notice and Consent" You are accessing a U.S. Government Information System that is provided for USG-authorized use only. By using this IS (which includes any device attached to this IS), you consent to the following conditions: - The USG routinely intercepts and monitors communications on this IS for purposes including, but not limited to, penetration testing, COMSEC monitoring, network operations and defense, personnel misconduct, law enforcement, and counterintelligence investigations. - At any time, the USG may inspect and seize data stored on this IS. - Communications using, or data stored on, this IS are not private, are subject to routine monitoring, interception, and search, and may be disclosed or used for any USG authorized purpose. - This IS includes security measures (e.g., authentication and access controls) to protect USG interests--not for your personal benefit or privacy. - Notwithstanding the above, using this IS does not consent to PM, LE or CI investigative searching or monitoring of the content of privileged communications, or work product, related to personal representation or services by attorneys, psychotherapists, or clergy, and their assistants. Such communications and work product are private and confidential. See user agreement for details. (Information provided by 354th Communications Squadron)