LifeSec
 |  | More than ever these days, it's become vitally important for our advocates and most vulnerable populations to learn how to speak without drawing undue attention from aggressors OR to be a 'hard target' when they do. You can read more about LifeSec and its benefits here or jump to The Principles of "LifeSec" |
From the first days I taught Operations Security (OPSEC) for the Inter-Agency OPSEC Support Staff, I saw a problem. They actually expected every soldier and DoD civilian to understand the process, the math, and mechanics of OPSEC Risk Management (which no one but program managers care about).
Instead, I pushed to bring OPSEC principles into real life; LifeSec! My theory was that if we showed how information protection could actually help in real life, people would see why this matters.
Because seemingly unimportant information that is carelessly shared is dangerous.
For example, during the Vietnam war, the US military inadvertently leaked their plans to the Viet Cong spy network by having their planes visibly on the runway with the supplies staged nearby.
In a more modern example, reporters in the 90's discovered that they could predict major world-events based on the number of late-night pizza delivered to the Pentagon and other key agencies – a phenomenon now playfully referred to as "the pizza meter".
Basically, by operating in the open with no care for who was watching and what they might learn, US forces suffered data leaks of their own making. But who cares about the government, right? Why should regular people should care?
The crime of disbelief
Do you believe in Zeus and Poseidon? Do you legitimately believe they're real and must be respected and feared? If not, you are a non-believer… just like the rest of us. There are many major religions and branches and we are all non-believers to one or the other… and that shouldn't be anyone's business or concern.
But there are backwards parts of the world that find your lack of faith disturbing. In those places, mere disbelief can put you at risk of abuse, violence, and death. For example, the USA:
Trigger warning: violence
I was raised Christian, but learned early that there are "right kinds" and "wrong kinds". Catholics, Baptists, and others who claim to have the same beliefs, but will still argue and judge each other. It's one reason separation of church and state is so important – even if people could agree on the religion, there's just too much disagreement about details.
Luckily, brave people like Madalyn Murray O'Hair advocated against forced prayer and Bible readings in public schools as early as the 60's. Through a lifetime of court cases and advocacy, she made schools a safe place for those of a different denomination, a different religion, or no religion at all.
A 2017 Netflix special details O’Hair’s life, her struggles, her victories, and (ultimately) her kidnapping and brutal murder in 1995. By making an effort to make the USA more respectful and inclusive for people of different beliefs, she, her son, and granddaughter paid the ultimate price.
The crime of being "girly"
Trigger warning: suicide
In 2014, 11 year old Michael Morales liked cartoons. But his school bullies decided it was the "wrong kind" of cartoon and made his life hell. For violating gender norms and expectations, he faced abuse so severe, that he attempted suicide. Though unsuccessful, he was left in a catatonic state from the attempt and tragically passed away seven years later. All for his "crime" of liking a "girl's cartoon".
The crime of freedom
Trigger warning: child abuse
In 2024, an American teenager from Lacey Washington refused to follow her family tradition of an arranged marriage to an older man. She ran away from home and sought help from the staff at her high school, but was caught by her father who choked her unconscious. She only survived the murder attempt thanks to a Good Samaritan who was driving by, saw the attack, and intervened.
In an ideal USA, bigots and abusers would face scorn, shame, and, most of all, repercussions for their hate. But at the whims of society and politics, they not only might escape any consequence; they may be cheered and applauded. It's twisted and it's wrong, but this is the reality we have to live in and that means that being judicious about the amount and kind of attention we draw to ourselves.
| | The sad truth is that some people hate and harm without an ounce of shame or consequence. It's wrong, but that truth doesn't keep you safe. Every person needs to guard against being overly visible or interesting – for themselves and the people they love. |
Bottom line, whether it's serial killers, child molesters, haters, abusers, creeps, or con artists; strangers or people you know – it's in your best interests to learn about risks and countermeasures so you can make an informed choice about sharing information.
But first a disclaimer!
Disclaimer! LifeSec is NOT victim blaming!
It is risk management. For example, swimming in the deep ocean with bleeding bait strapped to your trunks is likely to attract predators and posting online carelessly is similar.
When participating and especially when being an activist/ally, it's important to have a good sense of the actual risks so you can make sensible choices. This isn't a judgement of anyone's courage or duty – it is about keeping people safe and letting them choose for themselves what that means.
To learn more, use the lesson navigation below.
