OPSEC
en
en
Change language
Translating...
/ˈɒpˌsɛk/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A set of practices for protecting sensitive information, originally a military term and now applied in cybersecurity and business risk management.
Examples
The unit’s OPSEC prevented the enemy from learning the mission timeline.
Maintaining OPSEC is essential for covert missions.
During the briefing, the commander emphasized strict OPSEC.
The squad’s OPSEC measures included radio discipline.
A weak password can undermine OPSEC.
Similar words
security management
cyber hygiene
confidentiality
counterintelligence
confidentiality measures
risk management
data protection
data safeguarding
risk mitigation
information protection
Meanings
Examples
The unit’s OPSEC prevented the enemy from learning the mission timeline.
During the briefing, the commander emphasized strict OPSEC.
We reviewed the OPSEC checklist before the operation.
A breach in OPSEC can compromise troop safety.
The squad’s OPSEC measures included radio discipline.
Maintaining OPSEC is essential for covert missions.
The analyst flagged a potential OPSEC violation.
Similar words
information protection
security management
risk mitigation
data safeguarding
counterintelligence
confidentiality measures
Examples
Our startup follows OPSEC to avoid leaking product roadmaps.
The IT team updated the OPSEC policy after the data breach.
Employees are trained on OPSEC best practices.
A weak password can undermine OPSEC.
Implementing OPSEC reduces the risk of competitive espionage.
The consultant recommended a comprehensive OPSEC audit.
Regular OPSEC reviews keep sensitive information safe.
Similar words
risk management
data protection
privacy safeguards
information security
cyber hygiene
confidentiality
Etymology
Coined by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to describe protecting operational information.
FAQ
What does OPSEC stand for?
OPSEC stands for operational security, a set of measures that protect sensitive information from adversaries.
Is OPSEC only a military term?
OPSEC originated in the U.S. military but is now used in cybersecurity and business risk‑management contexts.
How does OPSEC differ from general security?
OPSEC focuses on controlling what is known about an operation, whereas general security covers broader protection of assets.
When should I use OPSEC in a sentence?
Use OPSEC when describing the practice of limiting information exposure, e.g., “Our team follows OPSEC guidelines.”
The abbreviation itself is not pluralized; you would say “OPSEC measures” rather than “OPSECs”.
What is the main goal of OPSEC?
To prevent adversaries from exploiting leaked information by identifying and mitigating exposure risks.
Is there a difference between OPSEC and information security?
OPSEC is a subset of information security that concentrates on protecting operational details.
Why is OPSEC important for businesses?
It helps organisations avoid accidental data leaks that could damage reputation or give competitors an advantage.
What are common mistakes when using OPSEC?
Expanding it as “operations security” instead of “operational security”, treating it as a verb, or adding an unnecessary plural “OPSECs”.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.