OPSEC and NAMMAS

NAMMAS has seen some amazing growth during our first year on the WWW.  We are delighted that so many of our members pass the word on to friends, relatives, other spouses and moms and people who love supporting the military.  Unfortunately, many times when groups of like minds congregate together, that also attracts others with unscrupulous intentions ready to take advantage of a wonderful community.  I wanted to write a special post on OPSEC, Operational Security, to remind you that even in this supportive, loving and friendly environment, others are still around paying attention.

NAMMAS has certain secure protocols to ensure only qualified people join our exclusive group.  However, this network is visible and searchable anywhere on the net.  This means when you broadcast your husband is gone, or where you live, or where your kids' school is, other people may be able to see.  You should treat NAMMAS just like any other community online where you would consider what kind of information you want the world to see. 

I love that we have so many active groups within our network.  Please, especially if you are in a group named for its location, don't give out your address, neighborhood, or specific location.  Send a private message to a group member.  Or better yet, send a private message to your entire group and arrange a meetup somewhere.

This post is not meant to scare you or keep you from connecting.  It's to remind you that this is the "world" wide web, not the "military wide web", or the "place where only my friends can see" wide web.  Share only what you're comfortable sharing in a very public setting.  If you wouldn't tell the world that you're home alone at 123 Meeting Street, don't put it here.  And just so you know...we have not had any issues with compromise of information or anything questionable happen.  I just want you to be reminded and to stay vigilant.