Use common sense when posting on the Web Published Feb. 7, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDHALEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The World Wide Web offers servicemembers many ways to stay in touch with their loved ones and friends from around the world. In this digital age, the Web provides venues for sharing photos, videos and stories, but users should remember that once they post their information to the Web anyone with an internet connection has access to it. Local analysis by the base antiterrorism office has found numerous social networking Web site accounts held by Spangdahlem Airmen which highlight an extensive amount of personal and operational details. "While the Web offers an easy way to stay up to date with those back home, users must think about the information they are posting," said Tech. Sgt. Todd Boren, 52nd Fighter Wing AT officer. "By placing assignment information, names, hometowns and photos of family and friends, terrorists now have access to information about families and friends of servicemembers, who can be targeted as well." Anti-terrorism studies have shown that al-Qaida, and other terrorist organizations, monitor community Web sites to gather details when planning their operations. "Details about everything from deployments to unit morale in the hands of terrorist operatives can be dangerous," Sergeant Boren said. Servicemmbers should also be aware that not all community Web sites are what they seem. "The Web site 'Air Force Together We Served' is actually not an Air Force product," Sergeant Boren said. "While the site has no public access and it is 'only open' to Air Force members, is it managed by a German parent company through a Nova Scotia server. The site has no direct military affiliation. Essentially, anyone can become a member with an alias." Those who choose to use these community Web sites should consider operational security measures when they post information. "If someone decides to put anything on the Web, they need to remember that millions of people can look at it and not all of those people have good intentions," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Bricker, 52nd FW operational security program manager. When it comes to posting information and photos online, using common sense can help avoid OPSEC violations, according to Sergeant Bricker. "If you are not sure if you should be posting something, just don't post it," Sergeant Bricker said. "Never post things like dates and times of deployment movements leaving or information about ongoing operations. Don't try to talk around the information, either -- it never fails; the more people trying to talk around something, the more information they give away." "People don't have to be scared of their own shadow, but the less personal information they put out there they better off they are," Sergeant Bricker said.