New ways to communicate present possible pitfalls Published Oct. 26, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Southwest Asia -- The way servicemembers communicate with their loved ones back on the homefront has changed dramatically over the years thanks to technology. Waiting weeks for a letter to arrive is often replaced with instantly communicating through video conferencing on Skype or by posting a comment through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. This added convenience is great for morale but also opens military operations up to additional security risks, said Master Sgt. Joseph Baker III, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing antiterrorism superintendent and OPSEC program manager, at this undisclosed base in Southwest Asia. Sergeant Baker said military personnel have to be aware of what they share through these methods of communication, because there may be someone besides their loved ones monitoring the exchange. "Our Internet connection here is wireless so that increases the vulnerability," he said. "You just don't know who can break in and monitor your communications." Even sharing what servicemembers may deem to be insignificant facts can pose a risk, said Baker. "Someone slowly monitoring you can piece it together and get a full picture of what goes on here," he said. "Keep it personal, talk about the kids or what is going on with the house. Try to keep it about what is going on at home." Sergeant Baker said communication has changed the way our adversaries monitor us as well. "Our adversaries no longer have to sit and watch us," he said. "They can just break into your internet connection or read your blog to get what they need from the comfort of their home." Sergeant Baker said that when it comes to communication, Airmen should just assume the worst. "The best tactic is to just assume that you are being watched at all times," He said. "With these types of things it is always better to be safe than sorry."