Pillars of security

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kyle Rich
  • Wing Plans and Programs Office
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  Many people don't understand the relationship between Operations Security, Information Assurance, Information Protection, Anti-Terrorism Force Protection, and Communications Security.

They may think these programs are separate because each program may have different management or may fall under different units within an organization. However, all of these programs do have a very close affiliation.

Think of it like this: If I am a burglar who wants to break into a house to steal valuables, I won't break into the first house I drive past. I will do research to find out what house is the best target. I would search Facebook to find out who lives in my target neighborhood. Then, using a fake profile I could become friends with those people online. Next I might focus on people who are posting information about an upcoming vacation or those who post information about a spouse deployment (IA, IP). After I narrow down my search, I could hack their online money accounts to get their home or work addresses (COMSEC). Then I would use that information to find the best targets and stake them out to determine schedules of the owners; if they leave and come home at the same time every day (OPSEC), or if they have a home defense security system, broken windows, large pets, etc. (ATFP). After all of this research, surveillance and reconnaissance, I would finally choose the best target, the one, which allows me plenty of time to steal everything I want with a low risk of getting caught by the owners or neighbors.

A very similar scenario could be used for sexual predators wanting to attack a family, or a terrorist wanting to attack military personnel or military installations. Criminals and terrorists target people or places that portray weaknesses. If you keep these programs in the back of your mind at all times, you will be less likely to show your vulnerabilities, thus making you less likely to be painted as a target.

These pillars of security are all interconnected and work together daily to protect our installation, our personnel, our community, our homes and our families as long as we actively use them in our daily lives.