What is the purpose of OPSEC countermeasures?

• A. To reduce the risk of sensitive information leakage by obscuring indicators and strengthening procedures
• B. To reveal indicators
• C. To centralize all communications in one channel
• D. To accelerate information release

Answer: (A)

The purpose of OPSEC countermeasures is to reduce the risk that an adversary can glean critical information by observing our actions. This means making the indicators— the observable signs that could reveal intentions, capabilities, or plans— harder to interpret, and strengthening procedures so sensitive information doesn’t slip through in how we operate, communicate, or handle data. In practice, that includes minimizing telltale patterns, using secure and vetted channels, and enforcing disciplined routines and controls to prevent leakage.

This isn’t about revealing indicators, centralizing all communications, or speeding up information release. Those would either defeat security objectives or increase exposure. The goal is to limit what anyone watching can deduce about our operations while keeping activities efficient and secure.