Operations Security

What is Operations Security?

OPSEC (Operations Security) is the process of protecting publicly available individual data that could be exploited by others. The term OPSEC originated in the military, where it was first used by the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

It encompasses both technical and non-technical countermeasures, such as:

• Using encryption software
• Communication discipline on social media regarding confidential information
• Safeguarding against data leaks

OPSEC assumes that people seeking information about me should receive it, but only the extent we allow and in the manner we choose to present it (which also allows for manipulation in this context).

OPSEC analysis

OPSEC analysis focuses on assessing an adversary’s ability to obtain key information regarding personal data, intellectual property or proprietary information. The United States Army describes a five-step process that constitutes this cycle:

1. Identification of critical information

Critical information is data that, if leaked, could destabilize your operations. Therefore, it is crucial to determine which information would cause the most damage.

2. Threat analysis

This area defines whom we want to hide our information from. It focuses on knowing the adversary and claryfying their priorities.

3. Vulnerability analysis

Vulnerability analysis involves verifying the information we share publicly and assessing to what extent it could threaten us. This point also refers to a general security audit that should reveal weak points within our organization. 

4. Risk assessment

Analyzing the vulnerabilities and threats from previous points to determine possible preventive measures. Additionally, prioritizing threats to identify the most significant ones.

5. Implementation of appropriate countermeasures 

This involves creating a plan to eliminate threats and ensure data security within the organization, taking into account the data gathered in the other four steps.

Summary

OPSEC shows us how the aggregation of residual data can reveal information that should remain classified. Therefore, it is essential to share data thoughtfully and analyze whether the things we have already shared can be exploited in any way.