Navy instructs troops, families to scrub social media of personal information

The U.S. Navy directed service members, military families and civilian personnel to remove personal information that reveals their connection with the service in order to protect them and their loved ones from adversaries. Bad actors are utilizing the online presence of individuals tied to the military to gather intelligence and launch attacks that include doxxing, surveillance, physical attacks and harassment, according to an Aug. 19 Navy administrative message. “Since the initiation of Operation Epic Fury, the Department of the Navy’s (DON) personnel, assets, and our families face an evolving threat landscape,” the message said. “U.S. military installations and personnel remain under increased vigilance due to recent uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) encounters, suspicious activities, cyber threats, and acts of violence.” In response to the increased security concern, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service launched Epic Vigilance, an initiative aimed at protecting Navy personnel and families. The Navy asks all service personnel and their loved ones to review their social media profiles to ensure the profiles are private, remove any acknowledgement of an affiliation with the Navy, and to remember force protection requirements that map out security protocols. The service also urges its personnel to report any suspicious activity and catalogue any abnormal changes in their communities or at work. Personnel are instructed to notify the proper authorities if they observe an indiv…