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What
OPSEC Means to You |
IOSS
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What is OPSEC?
Operations Security (OPSEC) is an analytic process used to deny an adversary
information - generally unclassified - concerning our intentions and capabilities
by identifying, controlling, and protecting indicators associated with
our planning processes or operations. OPSEC does not replace other security
disciplines - it supplements them. |
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OPSEC - A New Mindset
Our attention to security must change now. The events of September 11th,
2001 proved there is a demonstrated and known threat. How many times have
we heard that terrorism is a threat? But, most of us thought it could
only happen elsewhere - not in America.
Unfortunately, we have suffered several terrorist attacks in recent years
- the Oklahoma City and U.S.S. Cole attacks, and the tragic events that
unfolded on September 11, 2001. In these cases, the adversary was successful
because they knew our vulnerabilities. Americans at large provided much
of what was used against us. The only thing our enemies brought to the
table was their personal agenda and their resolve.
As Federal employees, we are the representatives of the people. We develop,
we plan, we execute - the American people trust us to do our jobs and
keep them safe. The mishandling of information can put everything at risk
and cost the lives of many Americans.
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Why is it Important that We Learn about OPSEC?
The information that is often used against us is not classified information;
it is information that is openly available to anyone who knows where to
look and what to ask.
Operations Security is a tool that our adversaries believe in ... and
one that we in the United States Government need to understand and integrate
into our daily routine. Our work is information, and not all of it is
classified. What we don't always realize is how much we are giving away
by our predictable behavior, casual conversations, routine acquisitions
and other Internet information. We must be careful of what we are revealing
- failure to do so could provide our adversaries with the information
they need to execute additional terrorist acts.
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What can I do to Help Thwart any Further Attempts to Harm the U.S.A.?
We can all incorporate OPSEC into our everyday work routine. Practicing
operations security will help you accomplish your goals. When you do something,
ask yourself, "What could an adversary glean from the knowledge of
this activity? Is it revealing information about what we do and how we
do it?" It is helpful to view yourself and what you're doing as an
adversary would. For example, what can be gained by observing your actions
or reading what you place on a website?
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What are OPSEC Indicators?
What do people observe about your schedule? What do you do when you go
to work? What are you revealing by your predictable routines and the way
you do business - these are indicators. OPSEC helps people identify the
indicators that are giving away information about missions, activities,
and operations.
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Who is the Adversary?
Let's not focus strictly on terrorists right now. Remember that there
are other adversaries - for example, foreign intelligence services that
continue to collect information on us that could be used to hurt us in
the future.
We sometimes only focus on what just happened - but it is a certainty
that our adversaries will continually look for and find any weak links.
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What are the Capabilities of our Adversary?
We can never underestimate the capabilities or strength of conviction
of terrorists or any other adversary. Nothing is more dangerous than people
who are willing to die for a cause.
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What is the Risk?
The terrorist threat existed prior to September 11th, 2001. We just did
not believe that such a horrific thing could ever happen. Everything
we do involves risk - the application of the OPSEC process develops effective
countermeasures to help us accomplish our future missions - by analyzing
and minimizing the risk that we may inadvertently reveal critical information
to our adversaries.
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The Interagency OPSEC Support Staff
Our enemy took us by surprise and we will never be the same country
again. In order to effectively bring the enemy to justice, we need
to maintain the element of surprise. Every element of our operation is
more sensitive than ever before. We must rededicate ourselves to our mission
and our country to help ensure that what transpired on September 11th
will not be repeated. Security must be incorporated into every aspect
of our jobs. If we are not vigilant in protecting critical information,
it will happen again. The future of America depends on changing
the way we look at security. OPSEC can make the difference. It is absolutely
essential that it be understood and incorporated into everything we do.
The IOSS is available to assist organizations and individuals with OPSEC
materials, training, operations analysis, and implementing the best OPSEC
practices for your activities. Contact them at 443-479-4677 for further
assistance.
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