OPSEC
Guarding sensitive data
OPSEC is military and intelligence jargon for operational security—the practice of protecting sensitive information by identifying what data could be useful to adversaries and controlling its exposure.
The term has spread to corporate settings and internet culture, where it often appears sarcastically: Nice OPSEC, posting your vacation dates on social media.
Restricted from disclosure
- compartmentalizedDivided into isolated sections
- need-to-knowAccess limited by necessity
- counterintelligenceDefense against enemy espionage
- tradecraftEspionage methods and skills
clearance · debriefing · covert · clandestine · reconnaissance · signal · communication · encryption
Freedom from observation
- doxxingPublishing personal information maliciously
- geolocationDigital position identification
- oversharingRevealing too much personally
- metadataDescriptive information about content
pseudonym · alias · stalking · identity · compartmentalization · shredding · sweep · awareness
Converting data into code
- VPNEncrypted network connection
- firewallNetwork access control system
- two-factorAuthentication using paired credentials
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
password · metadata · anonymity · Tor · burner · airgap · phishing · breach
Legally owned, restricted use
- NDASecrecy contract, abbreviated
- leakEscape through a breach
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- visitorShort-term guest
shredding · espionage · competitor · whistleblower · confidential · classification · retention · disposal
classified
Restricted from disclosure
- compartmentalizedDivided into isolated sections
- need-to-knowAccess limited by necessity
- counterintelligenceDefense against enemy espionage
tradecraft · clearance · debriefing · covert · clandestine · reconnaissance · signal · communication · encryption · codename
privacy
Freedom from observation
- doxxingPublishing personal information maliciously
- geolocationDigital position identification
- oversharingRevealing too much personally
metadata · pseudonym · alias · stalking · identity · compartmentalization · shredding · sweep · awareness · exposure
encryption
Converting data into code
- VPNEncrypted network connection
- firewallNetwork access control system
- two-factorAuthentication using paired credentials
authentication · password · metadata · anonymity · Tor · burner · airgap · phishing · breach · vulnerability
proprietary
Legally owned, restricted use
visitor · shredding · espionage · competitor · whistleblower · confidential · classification · retention · disposal · compliance
OPSECsecurity breach
Unauthorized penetration of protected systems
loose lips · oversharing · blabbing · indiscretion · broadcasting
OPSECcarelessness
Inattention causing mistakes
recklessness · negligence · loose talk · indiscretion · sloppiness
OPSECfull transparency
public disclosure · freedom of information · whistleblowing · declassification · open communication
operations, operation, operate, operates, operated, operating, operator, operators, operative