One concept that many of us need to be more aware of is Operational Security or OPSEC.  In a nutshell, OPSEC is keeping information from potential adversaries.  For the military, this means keeping details of movements and future operations secret.  For civilians like you and me, that means not broadcasting your whereabouts or other important details.  Being careful about where and when information is divulged will help keep you safe and protect your property.

This is important in today’s world.  Let’s face it, we live in a connected world where social media is ubiquitous.  Many of us can instantly communicate where we are and what we are doing with our smartphones and tablets.  While this can be fun and harmless, it can expose people to additional risk if the wrong people get hold of important information.  And as recent events illustrate, what gets posted on social media does not stay private.

What does this all mean?

If you are at a restaurant, sporting event, or landmark and you post about it on a social media site then everybody who can read your post knows where you are.  Criminals can use this information to stalk you, rob you, or break into your home.  I won’t get into the whole subject of meta-data collection, but the more you post on social media sites the more information private and governmental entities have on you.  Ask yourself if you really need to post your whereabouts and status to the world?

To maintain good OPSEC, consider making a couple changes in your habits.  First, only let trusted people know your whereabouts before you go somewhere.  Second, if you want to post pictures, review, or other observations about an outing, do so after the event.  Third, when you have plans to go somewhere, don’t feel compelled to let the world know about it on social media.  All of this information is not time-critical to those who aren’t going to be with you, it can wait.

The key concept is to be careful with what you divulge to others.  Information is power and the more you reveal, the more data a potential adversary (ex. burglar) has on you.  Both good guys and bad guys use social media so treat the information you post on it with great care.  Taking a few small steps to increase your OPSEC will yield much greater safety and security in the connected world we live in.