Today were going to discuss a little Operational Security. I don’t go down that hole too much, I’m pretty public which I have to be for the site. There are a few tips to help you out though. What prompted this post was a friend of mine on facebook. She has a habit of posting her daily activities. I think this is a terrible idea and I’m going to tell you why.
Facebook Could get you Killed
I don’t like to do any fear mongering like some in the survival community, but this tip could save your life. This comes back to my friend. She usually post everyday what her work schedule is and what she plans on doing afterwards. I’m sure her posts are not public but most killers know their victims and this makes things easier for them. Documenting all your plans online, telling people where you are, what time and whatnot seems like a really bad idea. Also no one really cares anyway. I’ll just call or text if I want to know if someone is working. I’ve got more and more away from using Facebook too extensively and trying to leave personal info off it as much as possible.
Bumper Stickers
In the same vain as putting too much info on Facebook the bumper stickers on your vehicle can give away too much info. Those family stickers that are popular now definitely fall into that category. A criminal can tell a lot about you from your bumper stickers. The family ones show them how many people to expect in the home. Political stickers can give away a lot of info too. A democrat or Obama sticker probably means you don’t own a gun. Not always but likely, and criminal like it when they don’t have to worry about being shot. An NRA sticker means you probably do own a gun which means criminals might not want to break in or that they will plan better to break in when you are not home to steal your guns. Political stickers can also draw attention from people of the opposite ideology ad could cause issues that way. Not that I’m worried about offending anyone, I don’t give a shit, but people are crazy and I don’t want PETA blowing up my car for eating bacon. Yummy bacon. I have two bumper stickers, a huge Zombie Squad ZS logo and a SOE sticker. I stand out a bit and none would be preferable to be a grayman, but I support both.
Don’t Become Obsessed
I don’t go through life obsessing about Operational Security. Much like EMP preppers people can become obsessed about Opsec. Just give a little thought to the things you put out there instead of going through life blindly. A little forethought goes a long way. I’d rather think a bit more now than have something come back to bite me in the ass.
Do you do any of the mistakes listed in the article? What bumper stickers do you have? Let me know in the comments!
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An NRA sticker also means that if i want a gun i have a higher than average chance of finding one if i break into your vehicle. The back alley gun market is full of stolen weapons.
Family sticker sets without a “father” in them is the worst. Although, I get it that you’re a single mom badass, you might as well have said “Follow me home, no one will hear me scream!”
As far as checking into places goes, I am guilty. But I almost always check in when I am leaving the place, just in case.
that is good advice not to say anything about your plans or what you belive be the grey man always. i have enjoyed reading your website. best regards. joe north of the border
Well my bumper sticker says “I “heart” quilting” so that probably will not intimidate many people. However, maybe the thought of a warm quilt might kick in some happy thoughts and the potential crook will pass my vehicle by in order to break into a car with a NRA sticker to steal their gun.
or they will think I am a total wimp, steal my truck. Which has many issues, so they most likely will bring it back.
Seriously, you might want to talk to your friend. As a female, she needs to be careful about what she makes public. Sad to say, there are people out there who will use her openness against her.
Good job on the new layout! Been following you from your beginning, better and better content,a good grasp on realty and an intuitive direction… “Live Free Or Die”; In New Hampshire…
This article is good wisdom for everyone. I might add ” Be aware of your surroundings.” While that doesn’t necessarily go with the “dont give out too much info” flow, it could act as a firt line of defence if someone was going to target you. For example, if you thought someone was following you home, drive around the block or your neighborhood a few times. nothing says “i know you are following me and i’m just gonna f**k with you” like making them drive in circles for a while.
I also must add, that those stick figure family stickers are stupid. When I see them, I assume the owner is also stupid.
I have two bumper stickers. One says “LSU Alumni”. I never went to LSU. The other says “I’d rather be driving a Titleist.” I’ve never played golf a day in my life. You could learn nothing about me from my bumper stickers. “Billy C” isn’t even my real name. Ha!
….but you might have an expensive golf bag in your trunk.