Social Networking has become one of the most popular trends within our Army community. Soldiers as well as family members, continue to be a part of an ever-growing social media presence on sites such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram.
Great things can be done with the use of social media. Units and organizations can use social networks to help share information with Soldiers and family members faster and with a greater reach than ever before. These technological capabilities have the ability to ease communications within the Army network community.
Although social media has become a useful source for the Army community to communicate, we must be careful not to rely on it too much and become complacent. The more we depend on social media, the greater the potential threat. Mass amounts of detailed information on profiles leaves ourselves, our family members, and our organizations exposed.
According to an Al Qaeda training manual, approximately 80 percent of their gathered intelligence can be acquired through social media and open sources. They use this readily available information to intentionally target Government personnel and all matters related to them.
Information gathering as well as identity theft has become a social media epidemic among Soldiers and has led to the compromise of sensitive operational information.
This month we want to raise awareness and help warn Soldiers and their families of such threats and to always be cognizant of their social media surroundings. Websites, such as the Antiterrorism Enterprise Portal have links and useful resources on the site to provide helpful information.
The following are some recommendations for safer networking:
- Set pages to limited access, and use private settings.
- Minimize the personnel who have access to your account and be aware of people you do not know.
- Limit photo sharing, especially photos that may compromise Operational Security (OPSEC).
- Limit Military affiliated information on social media.
- Avoid "check-ins" which reveal your current location.
Maintaining a connection with loved ones and friends is important, but knowledge is power for terrorists. Soldiers need to be educated on social networking precautions in order to degrade the enemy's attempts to gather information. Knowledge and awareness help us remain "A Step Ahead."
Social Sharing