Social Media: The Fastest Growing Vulnerability to the Air Force Mission

Social media is the fastest growing vulnerability to the military mission and the personal security of all Airmen. This paper includes recommendations of the best practice for safe cyberspace operations.

List of Illustrations v

About the Author vii

Abstract ix

1 The Problem 1

2 Threats and Vulnerabilities—What Is Different from the Past? 3

Mobile Device Vulnerabilities 4

Vulnerabilities of Free Apps 4

Bring Your Own Device Program 5

3 Using Social Media—What is the Risk? 9

Trends in Targeting Personal Information 10

Data Mining Personal Information 11

Perceptions of Social Media Risk 11

4 Air Force Social Media Guidance—What’s Missing? 15

5 Recommendations 19

Revise the Air Force Social Media Guidance 19

Best Practices for Cyberspace Operations 20

Air Force Smart Cards 22

6 Conclusion 25

Acronyms 27

Appendix 29

Bibliography 35

This publication is intended to inform Air Force personnel of the best practices for cyberspace and social media operations.