Operations Security Indicators — Five Characteristics
Foundation
OPSEC Indicators Definition
Operations security indicators are:
- Friendly, detectable actions
- Open-source information
…that can be interpreted or pieced together by an adversary to derive critical information.
5 Basic Characteristics
5 OPSEC Indicator Characteristics
The five basic characteristics of operations security indicators that make them potentially valuable to an adversary:
- Signatures
- Associations
- Profiles
- Contrasts
- Exposure
Signatures
Signatures Definition
Signatures are observable activities and operational trends that reveal critical information to adversary intelligence collection.
Signature Management
Signature Management Definition
Signature management is a systematic approach to identify, prioritize, and manage:
- Physical indicators
- Technical indicators
- Administrative indicators
…of friendly forces' operational profiles.
Why Signature Management
Why Signature Management
If ignored, these indicators will be exploited by an adversary to achieve an operational advantage over friendly force objectives.
Operational Profile Defense
Operational Profile Defense
Defense of operational profiles is accomplished by implementing measures to deny adversary collection of critical information.
Associations
Associations Definition
An association is the relationship of an indicator to other information or activities.
What Makes Associations Identifiable
What Makes Associations Identifiable
The characteristics of the relationship:
- Make it identifiable
- Cause it to stand out
Profiles
Profiles Definition
Each functional activity generates its own set of more-or-less unique signatures and associations. The sum of these signatures and associations is the activity's profile.
Profiling Process
Profiling Process
A profiling process is used to:
- Map the local operating environment
- Capture process points that present key signatures and profiles with critical information value
Contrasts
Contrasts Definition
A contrast is any difference observed between:
- An activity's standard profile
- Most recent or current actions
Exposure
Exposure Definition
Exposure refers to:
- When an indicator is observed
- For how long an indicator is observed
Exposure Risk
Exposure Risk
The LONGER an indicator is observed, the BETTER chance an adversary can:
- Form associations
- Update the profile of operational activities