WHAT IS OPSEC AND WHY IT MATTERS
Photo: Lianhao Qu @lianhao
Operational Security (OPSEC) is basically: "The ability to keep knowledge of our strengths and weaknesses away from hostile forces."
A concept that should be of interest to survivalists laying plans, stocking provisions, and equipping for uncertain times.
A classic error, in our opinion, are preppers who spend thousands of dollars and countless hours stocking up for the bit SHTF moment but then tell everyone they know about their preps. Anyone familiar with firearms should know that you don’t tell a lot of people about your firearms. Just like you wouldn’t brag about the cash you carry or the other valuable items you keep at home. It is really just common sense.
Imagine a world gone to hell. Everyone unprepared will be looking for quick solutions to their new problems…food, water, security, shelter, medicine, etc. If everyone and their dog knows you have a well laid storeroom, well, where do you think everyone will go. Your front door will be busy.
OPSEC becomes a key element in planning. Keep a tight lip about what you have, how much of it there is, and where you keep it. This should be extended to all members of your family and kept on a need to know basis.
A big part of our OPSEC as survivalists is keeping a low profile. We shop at multiple locations when stocking up. Especially true for weapons and ammunition. We keep our firearms well concealed within our homes, locked, out of sight. We do not drive around with Browning deer stickers on our vehicles. We watch who follows us when we leave the range; often taking the long way to wherever we are going next. We do not do big one stop mega shops at Costco, or Walmart.
Our preps are kept out of sight. We do not have a floor to ceiling storeroom on display to household visitors. We keep our stock concealed in plain sight - inside boxes and bins, often mislabelled such as “Christmas Decorations” or something like that.
Our financial assets are spread out, and diversified as well. We do not want to draw attention to ourselves. We do not flash big cash, fancy cars, jewelry. We stay humble and live below or within our means.
All family members are aware of what not to disclose to friends or acquaintances. People that need to know, know. This concept carries over to our online activities as well. On-line shopping habits are telling in and of themselves. Our email communications. Our browsing history. Our social media content, likes, and shares. How public are you to the world. Is your image all over the web, your address easy to find. Pay attention to each and every touch point you leave behind.
By keeping a tight lip about your survival plans and preparations you maintain your own personal OPSEC - “The ability to keep knowledge of our strengths and weaknesses away from hostile forces."
A great resource for learning more about your own personal OPSEC. https://inteltechniques.com/
Share your knowledge, not your preps.
-The Northern Survivalist