Remember OPSEC when using social networking Web sites

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Greg C. Biondo
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Myspace, Facebook and Togetherweserved may seem like harmless social networking Web sites, but when used improperly, those sites can be operational security nightmares for the Air Force.

Users of these sites should never divulge information that may become a threat to national security.

"Information posted on these sites may be used against the person who posted the information, against any person or organizations mentioned, and against our nation in general," said Capt. Michael Kandoll, assistant Force Protection officer. "These sites are easily accessible by anyone in the world, including your friends and our enemies."

The goal of OPSEC is to prevent the inadvertent compromise of sensitive U.S. government activities, capabilities or intentions through the enemy's gathering of unclassified information.

According to Captain Kandoll, one should be careful not to post any information, photographs or videos that disclose protected military information or any personal information which could be used by criminals or terrorists.

Protected military information can include deployment returns and departures, unclassified videos and photos of sensitive military equipment in a deployed or stateside environment. Examples of personal information can include names, personal photographs, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers and social security numbers.

Servicemembers should never access these sites from a government computer and should be aware of important personal information they post on these websites.

"Identity thieves have been known to use the real names and real photos of real people to create a false identity for the purpose of stealing money from unsuspecting victims using these sites," Captain Kandoll said.

Users who believe their information has been stolen or used for the wrong reasons should contact their supervisor and the base security forces office, as well as the Office of Special Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or their local police department.

"According to the FBI, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America," Captain Kandoll said. "The average victim doesn't even know he or she is a victim until 14 months later."