Operations Security (OPSEC)

What is OPSEC?

Operations Security

We have information the “bad guys” need to

hurt us and we don’t want them to get it!

Another “tool” in the security toolbox

Goal of OPSEC

If the adversary can’t

figure out what we are

doing, then he will

have a harder time

defeating us.

ADVERSARIES

An adversary is anyone who contends with, opposes or acts against your interest and must be denied critical information. It could be as simple and obvious as your opponent in any game, or as complex and unknown as a spy, agent of a foreign government, or a criminal.

Types of adversaries include: International Terrorists Groups

Criminals

Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Groups

Domestic Militia Groups

Extremists Groups and Cults

Foreign Intelligence Agencies

Hackers and Crackers

Insider

Each adversary will have different motives and capabilities. It is important to understand the motives and capabilities of each adversary

CRITICAL INFORMATION

1. Critical Information is essential to the success of an operation, mission

or project.

2. Our Critical Information is what the Adversary needs to defeat us.

You need to think about what is critical to the adversary, not just to your organization.

Critical information includes specific facts about friendly intentions, capabilities, operations, and other activities vitally needed by adversaries for them to plan and act effectively, so as to guarantee failure or unacceptable consequences for friendly mission accomplishment.

A vulnerability is a weakness that

can be exploited by an adversary to

obtain your critical information,

and it can be present in any facet

of your operations.

Indicators are observable or detectable activities or information that can be pieced together to reveal sensitive information regarding your operation. They act as clues to an activity that adversaries can exploit to their advantage through analysis.

Threat is the capability

of an adversary coupled

with his intentions to

undertake any actions

detrimental to the

success of friendly

activities or operations.

Risk is the probability an adversary

will compromise your critical

information, and the impact this

would have if the adversary is

successful.

A countermeasure is anything that

effectively negates or reduces an

adversary’s ability to exploit our

vulnerabilities

OPSEC ProcessIdentify

Critical Information

Analyze the

Threat

Analyze

VulnerabilitiesAssess Risk

Apply

Countermeasures

Why use OPSEC?

Protect the mission

Preserve lives

Protect plans and procedures

When to use OPSEC?

Special Operations Mission Planning

Planning for Special Events

Special Operations Training Exercises

Plans and Standard Operating Procedures

Methods, Sources, and Technical Tradecraft