What should an OPSEC assessment cover?

An OPSEC assessment should comprehensively cover all levels of operational security. This means evaluating both classified and unclassified information, as well as analyzing ways that information can be exposed or misused regardless of its sensitivity. The goal of OPSEC is to identify and protect critical information that could be leveraged by adversaries. By covering all levels, the assessment ensures a thorough understanding of vulnerabilities and the implementation of strategies to mitigate risks across the board.

Focusing solely on unclassified or classified aspects would leave gaps in the assessment, potentially allowing critical information to be compromised. Similarly, limiting the scope to just public information overlooks the nuanced nature of operational security, which encompasses various types of sensitive data that are not necessarily public but still pose a risk. Thus, a comprehensive approach is essential for effective OPSEC management.