8 Rules for the Virtual World
Cyber security is more than a buzz word.
by Rosemary O’Brien
Modern terrorists and our adversaries scour the Internet for information that is of value. Through interactive “chat rooms” they can easily find details about your life that can be used against you. Here are eight rules to follow to keep your identity – and your country – safe.
- Limit your social networking profile
If your old roommate from college can find you, so can terrorists or stalkers. Providing too much information allows the adversary to “insert” themselves into your life, to use your information to obtain more intelligence and possibly use that against you.
- Never use your full name online
Use “close-to-true” information that only friends would know, for example, spell “Jessica” with only one “s” or add an “h” to the end of the name on your Facebook profile. Friends who know you will be able to find you, but those who contact you using the “screen” name you put on your profile will make it obvious that they searched for the information and do not know you personally.
- Do not post “glamour shots” or family photos
The enemy, as well as criminals, can download these photos. Send them to your friends or deployed spouse personally if you want them to see how “sexy” you look, or how cute your children were on the first day of school.
- Do not discuss personal issues
If you talk about financial difficulties, for example, someone may scam you with an offer to make a few extra dollars. Talk about personal issues in person.
- “Vet” people before allowing them to join your group
Make sure someone personally vouches for each individual before they are allowed to join.
- Take it off-line
If you find it necessary to discuss specifics, have your own, private e-mail group. If you attend a spouse support meeting, for example, get a list of e-mails of those present, then set up a private board that requires membership. This way you know exactly who is on that list and can allow access to only those people. Be very wary of the “no-shows” that always say they will attend but never do and always ask for specifics.
- Never talk “future” events
Providing information on upcoming troop deployments or your planned family vacation to Disney World when your spouse returns, allows our adversary (foreign intelligence, terrorist and criminals) to plan.
- Always be OPSEC conscious
If a member of your group starts asking too many questions – let them know the open “chat room” is not the place and they need to take it off-line.