A word from USASOC

[Ranger]

It’s a joyous time to practice good OPSEC

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 13, 2011) – This is the time of year when most people think of giving, but for some it is a time of taking.

Unfortunately crime does not take a holiday; instead it goes on the rise according to a Washington Post story. Home burglaries, home evasions and identity theft increase almost double during the Christmas season.

In the hustle and bustle that comes this time of year it is easy to overlook extra measures that increase personal and home security and provided added protection against home evasions, car thefts, and personal attacks.

hen families travel during the holiday season, these recommended precautions provide that extra protect their homes.

Stop newspaper and mail delivery during the time away. Overflowing mailboxes or a pile of newspapers by the door announces that nobody is home.
Do not leave any notes on the door for friends or delivery people announcing that you are away. Have a neighbor check the house for deliveries or notes.
Have someone come over and turn on/off various lights during the day or have a timer that varies turn-on times to make the house look like someone is at home.
Do not post on social media sites about being gone for the holidays. While the message might be for friends, others can access the site or your friends’ sites. Do not post comments or photographs of you or your family's activities while away from home.
Do not leave boxes that contain high-end items overnight on the stoop for the trash people to pick up. Computer and television boxes advertises to would-be robbers that there are expensive items inside the home. Put the boxes out the morning of trash pick-up and, if possible, remove the description of the items as well as any personal address labels and packing slips containing personal information.

Crime is not limited to the home. Identity theft and Internet scams are targeting Soldiers, federal employees, and their families, according to the Operations Security Professionals Society.

The old maxim, “if it looks too good to be true it is probably is too good to be true” is perfect when it comes to some of the online sales and deals.

Shop only on known and reputable Internet sites; avoid pop-up ads or quick-links. Make sure the site is secured by VeriSign or other programs.

Secure sites are often identified with a key or lock in the address/URL
All of these tips are ways to help prevent crime and make the criminal look elsewhere. This is the season to practice good security, at home as well as at the office.

--usasoc--