Off-base web e-mail is back Published Jan. 31, 2007 By 1st Lt T. Gwyddon Owen 36th Communications Squadron ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Last year, off-base web e-mail, officially called Outlook Web Access, use was restricted to a small number of key personnel due to security concerns. Now, the 36th Communications Squadron is pleased to announce that OWA is back and is secured via Common Access Card. CACs are twice as secure as the old username and password method. Usernames and passwords only prove that a user has memorized information. CACs, however, provide user verification in two ways: users must know the PIN and must physically have the CAC to access the network. "Before, a hacker could crack the password and gain access to the network," said Tech. Sgt. Bobby Padilla, 36th CS network administration noncommissioned officer in charge. "Now they'd have to have your card and your PIN." The new system offers increased security while allowing everyone the capability to access their e-mail at home. "This is a huge leap forward for the entire wing," said Lt. Col. Craig Hess, 36th CS commander. "Now every military member can access their e-mail from home the same way they access it from work - and we can all rest assured that both our network and e-mail are now more secure than ever before." The new OWA system required some modifications to the user's home computer or laptop. People who wish to access OWA must load the approved software on their computer, plus they must have a smartcard reader. According to Sergeant Padilla, the 36th CS isn't providing smartcard readers for home use. Instead, units or individuals will have to purchase the $35 component. Please visit our website for detailed instructions on equipment needed, how to install, configure and use OWA: https://wwwmil/owa-sop.doc. Please direct all questions regarding this, or any communications issue, to the Andersen Communications Service Desk at 366-2666 or commservice@andersen.af.mil.