The Impact of OPSEC on Your Network

One critical aspect of cybersecurity tends to be frequently overlooked: operational security, commonly known as #opsec. OPSEC includes the everyday actions we tend to take to safeguard sensitive information. While sophisticated cyberattacks are making headlines, small, innocent actions can also pose significant risks. Some of the biggest OPSEC concerns include:?

• Cell phones: Our cell phones contain a wealth of professional information. When left unlocked or inadequately protected, they can become a gateway for unauthorized access, data breaches, and malicious activities. Physical access - which can happen if you leave your phone unlocked, or share it with children who don't know better- can lead to the unauthorized use of apps, downloading of malicious apps, or access to sensitive emails.
• Physical security:? We’ve all learned that securing physical access to facilities, data centers, or server rooms is essential. Unrestricted access can result in unauthorized tampering, theft of sensitive documents or equipment, and potential disruption of critical operations. When we get busy, though, it’s easy to leave a door propped open or pay less attention to who else may have access to the area.?
• Password issues: Using frequently reused or easily guessed passwords makes it easy for hackers to tap into any network.?
• Remote work issues: As more of us work from home, or even begin traveling more again post-COVID,? potential OPSEC threats increase. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks, devices accidentally left in coffee shops or cars, shady USB ports, or information carelessly disposed of all become more of an issue as we’re out of the office more.?

Requiring strong password protection, encryption, locking and app security on all devices can considerably improve OPSEC.? Adding access controls to physical areas, creating a system for any incident reporting, and conducting regular audits can all help identify and reduce other vulnerabilities. And, of course, ongoing training and education on potential threats can help provide a regular reminder of OPSEC’s importance.?

What are you doing to bolster your #OperationalSecurity and improve #CyberAwareness?