In the military there are some things that they try to teach so that they are not overlooked. Attention to detail is one. If you have integrity in the small things, you can have integrity in the big things. OPSEC (Operations security) and COMSEC (Communication security) are also taught. The enemy can take many small things that they learn and like a puzzle, make a big picture. Most Americans don’t practice this type of security in their own lives. They put a sticker on their car thinking that it’s harmless. It’s only a sticker showing our family. Sometimes all the families names are displayed for all to see. Or, they think what is the harm in telling people where I work on Facebook? Or worse, that our family is enjoying our vacation at a resort. These little things speak volumes to the right person. Most of us are not being stalked by someone with the intent to harm our family or rob our home. But what if we are? Privacy is getting harder to achieve in this technological world without putting our personal information out on display for all to see. Most Americans think that their social accounts, cell phone texts, or web site frequency is private. This is not true. Never say or write anything on the internet or your cell phone that you don’t want just anyone to know. Do you want anyone to know your political views? At certain times you do, but at other times you may not. Making our lives private is something we have to work at. I call it FAMSEC (Family security) In combat or self defense situational awareness is talked about a lot. We should have “situational awareness” not only physically, but in our cyber and other activities. If you are in an airport on business or vacation don’t make a facebook comment that will tell the world you are not home or have left your wife and kids alone for the weekend. When someone asked me one time if I was armed, my answer is always, “If I was you wouldn’t know it.” Being in threat condition Yellow most of the time is wise. Here is a list of things that I tell my family to be aware of:
Do not give out personal information in social networking. Be vague on purpose.
Don’t advertise the number of children, their names, and even if you have a dog in the window of your vehicle. If you want to keep the fact that you own a weapon private, be careful of the stickers on your car.
If you go to the trouble to have someone pick up your newspapers and mail when you are away from home, don’t Twitter, or otherwise advertise that you are gone.
Be aware of the little things in your life that may give out information. Do not have your name on your child’s backpack or clothing in a place where all can see.
If you have an alarm on your home or vehicle, you may, or may not want it known.
Do not get into a routine with your day to day travel. Take a different route to work or school.
Don’t be predictable about when you are away from home. Leave and return at random times. Patterns can tell the right person much about you. Don’t be predictable.
Know where you are going and what you are walking in to. Whether you are walking or driving. Situational awareness can go a long way.
Email, Facebook and Twitter accounts, Cell phone and hardline phone conversations and texts are easily monitored. Most are not very secure. Criminals end up doing the most damage against themselves in these areas. Don't let these things hurt you too!
When you travel on public transportation keep your destination and travel plans vague to fellow travelers. Dress appropriately. Wear shoes instead of flip flops, jeans instead of shorts. Keep your luggage locked and carry-on bags secure and private. In the military they often cautioned us to even be careful of the slogans on our T-shirt! Not only is this defense against terrorism, but against crime and prying eyes.
I’ve been called paranoid before. I don’t feel that safety and preparedness are paranoia. Most Americans think nothing will happen to them. Crime statistics say different. Not only are these things a defense against crime, but others may pry into your life. Most people when put under a microscope, can look suspicious. Most people are not criminals, but can sometimes look like one. Our Constitution states that we have rights from God. Often our government may want to pry into our lives. We have a right to privacy that we often give up. Use common sense. Often we put ourselves at safety risks that we shouldn’t put ourselves in.
OPSEC is privacy about what we do and how we do it. COMSEC is keeping a low profile in our communication. You can still use social media but be careful about the details of your life.
Staying safe and private should be a part of our everyday lives. If these small things are practiced, they will become habit and will serve us well. Don’t be a sheep or a zombie shuffling through life. Be careful and live life with security that will give peace and encourage happiness. Practice FAMSEC and teach it to your children. One day it may save a life or at least keep someone from stealing your identity.
Semper Paratus
Burn
No comments:
Post a Comment