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Stay vigilant on social media

  • Published
  • By Erica Vega
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Social media has revolutionized the speed of communication and the way people stay connected. However, there are risks that come along with the benefits of networking online.

When you post or share personal information online, it could be used against you or your family and friends.

“Social media is a convenient tool, but also a dangerous one,” said Phil Withers, Air Force Special Operations Command’s deputy chief of Information and Cyberspace Operations.

Social media sites can make it easy to stay in touch with loved ones, but it can also make it easy for potential adversaries to collect information. The more information that is shared, the more vulnerabilities become apparent.

For example, Fox News reported Sep. 10, 2010, that three men in New Hampshire committed more than 50 break-ins by targeting victims who posted their location on Facebook. Similarly, Business Insider reported in an Aug. 13, 2012 article that Dell founder, Michael Dell, spends $2.7 million per year to protect his family, but tweets and blogs from his teenage children revealed detailed GPS information on the family’s whereabouts, photos and trip plans.

“I think of using the internet like I think of driving a car,” said Withers. “It’s a great tool, but users need to be cautious. Drivers frequently check mirrors, use turn signals and stay mindful of the speed limit. I urge people to use similar safeguards while using social media.”

Withers suggests these tips to think about before posting:

    • Set privacy settings on social media sites to restrict access to posts, but do not rely on those settings to be a fail-safe
    • Do not share information that you are not willing to share with the world, as some websites could leak information
    • Do not post personal information such as your home address or phone number
    • Disable GPS functions on cell phones when not in use to avoid inadvertently giving away location
    • Avoid posting travel plans and details of daily schedules 
    • Be aware of open Wi-Fi hot spots in public areas where information can easily be stolen from phones or tablets
    • Do not publicize your association with special operations forces
    • Be aware of unrecognized friends or followers on social networks

Additionally, according to AFI 1-1, “Air Force Standards,” even having unknown followers could constitute relationships that may affect determinations in background investigations associated with security clearances.

“Don’t make yourself a target by posting information related to your mission,” said Withers. “All the enemy needs, to do harm, is a computer and an internet service provider.”

Lastly, he encouraged all Air Commandos to remember operations security and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. For more information e-mail AFSOC.A3IO@us.af.mil.