Online OPSEC and PERSEC: Things to keep in mind when posting.

By Anita Doberman, Military Spouse Magazine, Sep/Oct 2007, pg. 36.

Technology has pioneered the vast frontier of cyberspace: a wildly enticing and readily available venue void of borders and rules. Just remember, the Web is public domain. Terrorists look for any small puzzle piece. While a small bit of information may be innocuous by itself, coupled with other small puzzle pieces it can create a big picture. And, that can cause serious trouble, not just for you, but for other military families, as well.

Safety Guidelines:

• Join moderated forums. It’s safer to join chat rooms or forums that use moderators. Note: Do not be lulled into security by thinking a moderated forum is free from safety violations. Even secured forums can have trolls and lurkers.

• Create a nickname. If you decide to chat or post on a forum, create a nickname. If you go by your legal name, anyone can use your words and photos against you. Likewise, be very wary of posting your email address–unless you really like spam.

• Become a “Jane Doe.”Don’t give out personally identifying information such as home address, telephone number, social security number, credit card and bank account numbers, place of work or any other information that may personally identify you. Also, be particularly careful when describing your family members, especially children, and don’t divulge your city of residence. It also means don’t pick a username like CrystalLovesGreg.

• Mum’s the word. If you aren’t sure how to answer questions about your spouse’s job or location, don’t. You can always politely refer inquiring minds to your installation’s public affairs office. Additionally, avoid answering questions about your service member’s duty station, rank, MOS and whereabouts.

• Watch your back. Beware of scams. If a company you trust is asking for identification information via email, ask for a phone number and follow up. Utilize scam- and myth-busting Web sites, like Snopes.com, before buying into the next “absolutely, guaranteed true” mass email.

• Children: Trust no one. Teach your children that anyone can pass for a friend online. Explain that they shouldn’t share personal information, and have them inform you immediately if someone asks to meet them.

Unsafe way to post:

Posted by: CrystalLovesGreg: “Hey girls, sorry I won’t be in the forums today. My son, Mike (he’s six) is home with the flu. We just got back from Portsmouth Naval Hospital where we waited for six hours at the ER. My two girls were crazy! Anyway, I hope he gets better in time for DH’s return next week. We go back for a follow up Tuesday morning. I’ll be back on tomorrow.

What a lurker has probably learned: You’re a Navy spouse, named Crystal, with three children: two girls, one boy, age six, named Michael. You live in Hampton Roads and your husband, named Greg, is on a ship returning in less than seven days. And, if I wanted to find you, I could simply hang out Tuesday at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital and wait for a woman with three children who fit this description. Voila!

Safe way to post: “Hey girls, sorry I won’t be posting today. I’m taking care of my children. Talk to you tomorrow.”

BE SMART