Operational Security
Practices and procedures that protect sensitive information or operations from unauthorized access, disclosure, or interference.
A set of practices, procedures, and safeguards designed to protect sensitive information, operations, or assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, or compromise. Originally a military and intelligence term, it now applies broadly to cybersecurity, research, and organizational contexts where confidentiality and operational integrity are critical.
What this means in real life
A company developing a new product keeps its design files on encrypted servers, limits who can access them, and uses code names in emails—these are operational security measures preventing competitors from learning trade secrets before launch.
What it isn’t
It is not the same as general privacy or data protection alone. Operational security is specifically about controlling what information is revealed and when, to prevent adversaries from disrupting or exploiting an ongoing operation or project.
Commonly misused online
People often use 'operational security' to mean any secrecy or privacy measure, when it actually refers to strategic concealment of specific operational details to prevent active interference or exploitation by a known or potential adversary.