What can be a first step in identifying operational security risks?

Identifying operational security risks effectively begins with assessing and identifying critical information. This step is crucial because operational security (OPSEC) relies on understanding what sensitive information needs protection to prevent unauthorized disclosure that could be exploited by adversaries. By pinpointing critical information, an organization can prioritize its security efforts toward safeguarding these assets, which may include intellectual property, personal data, proprietary technology, or any other sensitive operational knowledge.

This approach ensures that security measures are strategically implemented to cover the most significant vulnerabilities, creating a stronger security posture overall. In recognizing and analyzing what information is vital to the organization, effective steps can subsequently be taken to monitor, protect, and minimize risks associated with that information.

In contrast, ignoring minor security issues would likely allow greater vulnerabilities to manifest over time, while exclusively focusing on physical assets neglects the broader spectrum of information risks intrinsic to operational security. Conducting regular team meetings, while beneficial for fostering communication and collaboration, does not inherently address the need to assess the critical information necessary to identify operational risks concretely.