Air Force operations security in the twenty-first century : an unaddressed vulnerability / Adanto A. D'amore, Major, USAF ; Air University, Air Command and Staff College
Published
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama : Air University Press, 2022
Vulnerability -- Threat -- Safeguards and mitigation
Summary
"The twenty-first-century Air Force has maintained a twentieth-century operations security (OPSEC) culture, one heavily oriented toward speech and activities related to an Airman's official duties. Air Force OPSEC policy and culture insufficiently address the connected world characterized by ubiquitous data collection. This gap creates a critical vulnerability with the potential to diminish the Air Force's competitive edge in a future conflict. This paper begins with a discussion of Air Force OPSEC culture and its failure to address the twenty-first-century information environment. It then analyzes the information environment of pervasive data collection through the lens of how commercial enterprises exploit data to target consumers. Using this construct, the paper examines how an adversary could use similar methods to conduct population-based mass surveillance and reconnaissance of the US Air Force through its personnel in garrison or on the battlefield and in advance of or during conflict. The author proposes potential safeguards and mitigation strategies, highlighting the challenge of addressing a vulnerability that is deeply intertwined with an Airman's personal life. He further suggests adopting a framework of subjective and objective harm to reorient the Air Force's OPSEC culture. Finally, he recommends a mitigation approach based in education and training occurring throughout an Airman's career. Thus, the Air Force would be placing the same value on digital fluency as on financial literacy or physical fitness. Doing so will grow a culture of educated awareness surrounding the threat posed by ubiquitous data collection and population-based surveillance."--Abstract
Notes
"Accepted by University Press May 2022 and published August 2022"--Title page verso
In scope of the U.S. Government Publishing Office Cataloging and Indexing Program (C&I) and Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 27-30)
Notes
Description based on online resource; title from PDF file (AUL ALMA-D, viewed on August 12, 2022)
