FORT CARSON, Colo. — It’s the holiday season with lots to do, keep operation security in mind, protection starts with you.
Operation security (OPSEC) during the holidays is quite important, especially when it comes to holiday shopping. From fake social media ads, shipping alerts and too-good-to-be-true offers, these scams can become holiday traps.
There are many ways that can help protect you against scammers from stealing information or money.
A few tips include:
- Always check reviews and ratings of any retailer or seller before you buy, especially for big-ticket gifts or deals that seem too good.
- If a website asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfer or prepaid cards, consider this as a red flag. Those are common scam methods.
- Never click links in unexpected texts or emails claiming to be from a delivery service or retailer. Instead, go directly to a company’s official website.
- Verify charities before donating. Use trusted charity-rating websites or confirm directly through known contact info.
- Be cautious with holiday job offers that promise quick money with little work, especially if they ask for upfront payment.
In addition to shopping, there are other security measures to consider, for example, being cautious about what you share, especially regarding travel plans and securing your home.
Remember OPSEC is a security and risk management process designed to prevent sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands. It involves identifying critical information, analyzing threats and vulnerabilities, and implementing countermeasures to protect sensitive data from adversaries.
Additional security tips include:
At home
- Secure your home: Use timers for lights, TVs or radios to give the appearance of occupancy.
- Lock up: Ensure all doors, windows and garage doors are secured with quality locks and deadbolts. Avoid hiding spare keys outside.
- Secure deliveries and mail: Have a neighbor collect mail and newspapers or place a temporary stop on deliveries. Don’t leave full trash bins or newspapers out for extended periods.
- Conceal new purchases: Break down boxes from expensive items, such as new computers or TVs, and dispose of them discreetly, not curbside where they advertise your new valuables.
On social media
- Delay posting: Avoid posting about travel plans, vacationing or social activities while you are away. Wait until you have returned to share photos and updates.
- Disable geotagging: Turn off the geotagging feature on your smartphone and social media apps to prevent your location from being broadcast.
- Review privacy settings: Check and adjust your privacy settings on all social media accounts and apps.
In public and at social events
- Don’t discuss sensitive information: Be mindful of conversations at parties and avoid discussing work-related topics with those who don’t have a need to know.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert for suspicious activity in public places and report anything unusual to mall security or law enforcement.
- Safeguard personal information: Be cautious when using credit cards in public and hide any receipts with personal information.
Keep the holidays cheery and bright, protect yourself; have OPSEC insight.
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