🔒 OPSEC Fundamentals: Building a Security Mindset

What is OPSEC?

Operational Security (OPSEC) is a process that identifies critical information and determines if friendly actions can be observed by enemy intelligence, determines if information obtained by adversaries could be interpreted to be useful to them, and then executes selected measures that eliminate or reduce adversary exploitation of friendly critical information.

The OPSEC Process

1. Identify Critical Information: What needs protection?
2. Analyze Threats: Who wants this information?
3. Analyze Vulnerabilities: How might they get it?
4. Assess Risk: What's the likelihood and impact?
5. Apply Countermeasures: How do we protect it?

Personal OPSEC Basics

• Digital Footprint: Minimize your online presence
• Social Media: Limit personal information sharing
• Communications: Use encrypted channels
• Physical Security: Secure your devices and documents
• Social Engineering: Be aware of manipulation tactics

Discussion Questions

• What are your biggest OPSEC concerns?
• What countermeasures have you implemented?
• Share OPSEC failures (lessons learned) - anonymously!

Remember: OPSEC is a mindset, not just a checklist.