What Is Operations Security (OPSEC)?

Maintaining operational security means guarding sensitive information. We know what you're thinking: "I'm not hiding anything; A complete open book." But believe us when we say that everyone does, even if they don't know it. Whether it's private information like your bank account details or trade secrets that could give your competitors an edge, keeping secrets can be risky. How, then, shall we guard these secrets? Operations Security (OPSEC) is necessary in this case. OPSEC involves figuring out what data is crucial, who might try to steal it, and how they might do it. Then we implement measures designed to hamper their efforts as much as possible. We know what you're thinking: "That sounds like much work!" Indeed, that is sometimes the case. However, in the end, keeping your secrets to yourself will pay off. In addition, there are some amusing and offbeat techniques for making OPSEC less of a hassle. Say, for instance, that you are concerned about keeping your online accounts safe. Since it's so simple to remember, recycling the same password across all your accounts is tempting. However, OPSEC experts strongly advise against doing so. Instead, using a different passphrase for each account would be best. One of your passwords on Facebook could be "Ilovecats123," while another could be "Ihatecats456." Keeping your data safe requires you to take the extra step of remembering multiple passwords. Using code words is a great way to have some fun with OPSEC. So, you're working in a top-secret government agency and need to discuss some sensitive information over the phone. Create code words to refer to actual people or locations instead of using their real names. Perhaps the "pineapple" refers to the Oval Office, and the "watermelon" represents the Department of Defense. While this practice may seem childish initially, it's a great way to keep your conversations private while having fun. Of course, if you're serious about OPSEC, you should also be familiar with technical terms. Encryption, firewalls, and virtual private networks (VPNs) are a few tools that can help you maintain data security. The purpose of encryption is to make it so that only those with access to the decryption key can read your data. Firewalls prevent hackers from gaining access to a private network. VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, also provide a secure connection to the internet by redirecting all of your online activity through an intermediary server. Hence, you now know the essentials of operational security. Keeping your secrets secure may seem like much extra work, but it is well worth the effort. With ingenuity and technical know-how, OPSEC can become an enjoyable part of your daily life.