Operational security is the process of protecting an organization’s operations from unauthorized access, use, modification, or destruction. Operational security can be achieved through a variety of means, including authentication, authorization, encryption, and data loss prevention.
Operational security (OPSEC) is the practice of protecting sensitive information by reducing the risk of unauthorized access or disclosure. OPSEC is a process that identifies, evaluates, and mitigates threats to an organization’s operations. OPSEC measures can be applied to both classified and unclassified information.
OPSEC is critical for all organizations but is especially important for those operating in high-risk environments, such as military units and law enforcement agencies. OPSEC helps protect information that could be used by adversaries to harm an organization’s operations, personnel, or assets.
There are a number of OPSEC measures that can be used to reduce the risk of unauthorized access or disclosure. Some of the most common OPSEC measures include:
• Restricting access to information
• Using data encryption
• Disposing of information securely
• Training personnel on OPSEC procedures
The effectiveness of OPSEC measures can be evaluated by using a risk assessment matrix. The matrix evaluates the likelihood of an event occurring and the impact it would have on the organization. The higher the risk, the more important the OPSEC measure.