NCJ Number
194967
Journal
Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security Int'l Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 22-25
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article provides an analysis of Operations Security or OPSEC, an assessment and analytical five-step process denying possible adversaries information about the United States capabilities and intentions.
Abstract
To protect the United States’ Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI), consisting of the nation’s intentions, capabilities, limitations, and activities, the Operations Security or OPSEC was developed during the Vietnam War. OPSEC’s intent was to keep the enemy from knowing what you didn’t want them to know; thereby, preventing the enemy from having a road map for future terrorist operations. OPSEC is a five-step process that entails: (1) identifying critical information; (2) analyzing potential threats; (3) analyzing vulnerabilities; (4) risk assessment; and (5) application of countermeasures. Even though OPSEC is not considered the soul answer, it is part of an overall risk management process and an integral part of any security posture. It is just one methodology to be used to counter the intelligence operations of terrorists and other adversaries.