Britain Focuses on Dangers of Social Media
Since its inception, the Internet has spawned hackers looking to gather valuable information. These eavesdroppers on computer conversations and social media can create security issues, especially when it comes to military operations.
In response to this ever-growing threat, Britain's Ministry of Defense has started a new campaign to stress the importance of maintaining security when it comes to social networking.
"Guarding personal information released into cyberspace is as important as defending a barracks from attack," the ministry says. That's the message the Ministry of Defense wants to get across to all recruits and service," officials said.
The campaign, aptly named "Think Before You …," is a security guide for social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. It aims to decrease the risk of service personnel who are at an increased risk of attack online from potentially releasing too much information about themselves or military operations.
The campaign will be introduced to personnel during Phase 1 of training when they are instructed on other mandated military training materials.
The Ministry of Defense has even set up its own Facebook, YouTube and Twitter feeds to utilize these valuable channels of communication. They see no reason to stop military personnel from tweeting or posting on their own walls, however, the ministry recognizes that it has a responsibility to educate personnel about the risks they could be exposing themselves to.
Social media such as Facebook and YouTube will be used in this multichannel marketing campaign for the Ministry of Defense, alongside more traditional advertising, and broadcasting by the British Forces Broadcasting Service and Garrison Radio.
The primary audience of the campaign will be current service personnel, with the secondary target being families of personnel and veterans.
This campaign serves as a reminder that personal and operational security should be of number one concern when using online media. Posting details and locations of troop movements, current operations, location and travel details, as well as people's addresses, creates a risk to service personnel and potentially their families.
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