Download Annual OPSEC Refresher Training Questions and Answers 2023 and more Exams Computer Security in PDF only on Docsity! Annual OPSEC Refresher Training Questions and Answers 2023 Operations Security, commonly known as OPSEC, is a process that involves the identification and protection of critical information that could be used by adversaries to inflict harm or gain a tactical advantage. The concept of OPSEC is not new; it has its roots in ancient warfare, where commanders and generals protected information on troop movements, strengths, and strategies to avoid tipping off the enemy. However, the term “Operations Security” was officially coined during the Vietnam War by the United States as a response to the unintended leakage of sensitive military information. Since then, OPSEC has evolved into a comprehensive framework that is applied not only by the military but also by government agencies, private organizations, and individuals to protect sensitive information. It encompasses various aspects including physical security, information security, and communication security. Importance of Annual OPSEC Refresher Training In an ever-changing security landscape, it is critical for military personnel and organizations to stay abreast of the latest threats and vulnerabilities. Annual OPSEC Refresher Training serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the role each individual plays in safeguarding critical information. This training reiterates the basic principles of OPSEC and ensures that personnel are aware of the current best practices for protecting sensitive information. Through this training, individuals learn to recognize the value of information, understand the threats and vulnerabilities associated with it, and apply appropriate countermeasures to mitigate risks. The training also fosters a culture of security and emphasizes the collective responsibility in maintaining operational integrity. In the military context, the consistent application of OPSEC principles contributes to mission success and the safety of personnel. Annual OPSEC Refresher Training Answers Question Answer Which selection best describes the OPSEC concept? Identify and protect critical information What is Critical Information? Specific facts about friendly capabilities, activities, limitations (includes vulnerabilities), and intentions needed by adversaries for them to plan and act effectively so as to degrade friendly mission accomplishments. Acquisition of information from a person or group in a manner that does not disclose the intent of the interview or conversation is called? Elicitation I can publicly release official unclassified information without PAO coordinating security reviews. FALSE The continuous, secretive observation of persons, places, things or objects in order to gain information. Surveillance Countermeasure is: anything that effectively negates or reduces an adversary’s ability to exploit vulnerabilities or Question Answer OPSEC’s most important characteristic is that: It is a process. All of the following are steps in the OPSEC process except measuring the amount of information that the adversary possesses Critical Information is Specific facts about friendly intentions, capabilities, and activities concerning operations and exercises The two attributes that define a threat are The capability of an adversary coupled with intention to affect friendly operations In gathering intelligence, adversaries look for __, or those friendly actions and open sources of information that can be obtained and then interpreted to derive CI Indicators As a part of your OPSEC responsibilities, you should do all of the following except Use the same passwords for all online accounts so that there is less potential for leaked information All EUCOM personnel must know the difference between OPSEC and traditional security programs OPSEC Principles Identification of Critical Information The first step in the OPSEC process is the identification of critical information. Critical information is data that, if compromised, could adversely affect the operations or objectives of an organization or mission. In the military context, this might include troop movements, communication codes, or strategic plans. Identifying what information is critical is essential for prioritizing resources and focusing protection efforts. Analysis of Threats Once critical information is identified, the next step is to analyze the threats. This involves understanding and evaluating the capabilities, intentions, and activities of adversaries or competitors who might be interested in obtaining the critical information. In military operations, understanding the threats can include knowing the capabilities of enemy forces, their intelligence- gathering methods, and their history of exploiting information. Analysis of Vulnerabilities Analyzing vulnerabilities involves assessing the weaknesses in your systems, processes, or operations that could allow an adversary to gain access to critical information. In the military, this might include weaknesses in physical security, like an inadequately guarded facility, or cybersecurity vulnerabilities, like outdated software. This step is crucial for understanding how an adversary might exploit your vulnerabilities to gain access to critical information. Assessment of Risks After analyzing the threats and vulnerabilities, the next step is to assess the risks. Risk assessment involves determining the likelihood that a threat will exploit a vulnerability and the impact it would have if it occurred. In a military context, this could mean assessing the likelihood of an adversary intercepting communications and the potential impact on a mission. This step is important for prioritizing which vulnerabilities to address first and what resources to allocate.