OPSEC ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’

[Hoppi aka Angie]

It is time to get this topic at the top of the pages again.

Please do not post anything about Ship movement's, when they deploy, where they are, anything. Yes some of the information can be found in the news, but that does NOT mean that people on here should post it. Even if your Sailor tells you when a Ship will be making a deployment does NOT mean that you can post that information here, this is a public site.



By Journalist 1st Class Cindy Gill, NAVEUR Public Affairs

LONDON (NNS) -- Within the Navy, the odds of making it through boot camp without hearing ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’ are improbable. Though the slogan is old, it still embodies the basic principle of Operational Security, or OPSEC.

OPSEC is a multi-faceted concept that strives to prevent the inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified activities, capabilities or intentions. According to Gunnery Sgt. Fred Wilson, assistant OPSEC officer and OPSEC program manager at Navy Europe Headquarters in London, OPSEC involves a relatively simple five-step process that anyone can use.

- Identify critical information. The information you have that could assist an adversary in any way.

- Analyze the threat to that information. Does an adversary have the capability to collect or use the information, and if so, how?

- Analyze the vulnerabilities. How is the critical information relayed in the course of your daily duties and how is it protected?

- Assess the risk. How likely is it that the information could be compromised?

- Develop countermeasures. What can you do to protect the information from being disclosed?

“These steps should be taken from the adversary’s perspective,” said Wilson. “In order to catch a bad guy, you have to think like one.”

Wilson explained that OPSEC requires the active participation of every servicemember, regardless of his or her rank or job. He added that the best defense is educating people through annual required training on how to protect critical information.

“It’s a combination of people knowing what information is considered sensitive and then knowing when to shut their mouth,” Wilson said.

To put OPSEC in perspective, Wilson said he has seen Sailors and Marines go to extreme lengths to protect information about things such as surprise birthday parties and promotion lists, yet discuss details of their work freely and openly.

“We need to take that same mindset and apply it to our everyday job,” said Wilson.

One of OPSEC’s worst enemies, Wilson said, is convenience. Making the job efficient may increase productivity, but easier isn’t always better. The path of least resistance, while the easiest to travel, usually offers the least amount of protection.

“The combination of secure communications and physical security, if used consistently and properly, greatly reduce the risk of disclosure,” said Wilson.

Walking to another office to speak face-to-face with someone is more secure than talking on a regular phone. When this is not possible, secure communication equipment include secure email, telephone and fax machines. No matter which method is use, servicemembers should hold conversations using a secure medium.

“These procedures are put in place for a reason,” said Wilson. “If the information is not instantaneously available to you then it’s shouldn’t be readily available to a potential adversary.”

Wilson offered these simple guidelines. Avoid talking about work away from the office. Be aware of your immediate surroundings at all times and who is in the area. Also keep in mind that what is not being said can be information in itself.

“The mere fact that a person is trying talk around a subject will actually raise interest in what is being said and could give clear direction for someone to focus their attention,” said Wilson.

Whether on or off work, a Sailor’s safest bet is to assume nothing.

“Just because a person has a clearance for certain levels of information does not necessarily mean they have the need to know that information,” said Wilson.

Communication comes in many forms, not just verbal and written. Routines and habits also need to be considered with OPSEC in mind. Wilson explained that what seems innocent or insignificant can in fact be a piece of a much larger puzzle.

“A classic example is the increase of pizza delivery at the White House and Pentagon prior to the onset of Operation Desert Storm. We need to think three or four layers down.”

For more Naval Forces Europe news, go to their custom Navy NewsStand Web page at www.news.navy.mil/local/naveur.

OPSEC

[Navy for Moms Admins]

I agree :) In the meantime, if you copy the post and a link to the page and send to me in a PM I'll address it as soon as I can! I appreciate all suggestions and anyone who helps by serving as an extra pair of "eyes" on the site!

[Carla Street]

I went in and tried to find it, I think it was like a week later and I couldn't find it, maybe a moderator already did it. It has been a couple of months now and maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it. I need to go check your info page too, I could have maybe "reported" it earlier.
Thanks!

[Hoppi aka Angie]

Please feel free to copy and paste and put on any group!

[Hoppi aka Angie]

[Achseh]

I have to say that these posters are great at getting the point through!

[Hoppi aka Angie]

They show more than we can ever write about OPSEC! Maybe the posters will get the point across to people.

[Achseh]

I agree. They sure do send it home to me!

[Navy for Moms Admins]

I might start encouraging Group admins to include these in the Group's HTML box since that's where most of our OPSEC violations occur. A picture speaks a thousand words and having that image as the first thing people see when they visit the group (with a few lines about what not to mention) could be very effective.

[Sues]

I have a link to this discussion in the cryptology group.

[Carla Street]

The Ten OPSEC and COMSEC Points:

Don't discuss future destinations or ports of call!
Don't discuss future operations or missions!
Don't discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises!
Don't discuss readiness issues and numbers!
Don't discuss specific training equipment!
Don't discuss people's names and billets in conjunction with operations!
Don't speculate about future operations!
Don't spread rumors about operations!
Don't assume the enemy is not trying to collect information on you so he can kill you, he is!
Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC and COMSEC when using email or phone!

Rules of thumb for parents and loved ones:
*If your sailor indicates to you they can't tell you something, believe them. Don't try to coax them into telling.
*If it is published by the navy about where a ship or unit has been (not going), that is when it's okay to share.
*If your sailor is in a high security area, say a nuke or EOD, consider using a nick name for them and you, a seperate email without your name on it, and don't even tell where YOU live. Let them tell you what they want you to tell others or if they are worried about info, always let them know you are on here. That's why they are careful on here about only putting first names on your profile page.
*Be aware, the OPSEC 10 points are about what they can't talk about. Think about what YOU might share as a parent or loved one of a military member that could cause trouble. You also have a responsibilty.
*Be respectful and teach other parents if they don't know and say too much, no need to be disrespectful or mean to them about it. Just guide them and let them know they maybe need to rewrite or delete the post. There isn't a member on here that wants to cause trouble or harm. They just aren't thinking or don't know.

[tina]

I have a question, so when my son goes to schools ect, is it ok to use our personal emails as long as not of the info has to do with where he is going ect. should we get new emails I am very new to this so any info would be appreciated

[Steve's Mom]

something else that the Army stresses to the familys is photo sharing, and to be aware of what you are showing everyone. (people,weapons, buildings,vehicles)