Facebook application poses potential threat to servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alyssa Wallace
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Buried inside Facebook is an application that could potentially lead adversaries to the front door of those who frequent the social media site.

"Places I check in to," a feature that is automatically enabled on the site, checks the IP address of each Facebook user who logs into their account and then posts the information to the individual's profile wall. A more detailed description, including a map of the location, is also provided by clicking on the location.

"This application presents a significant risk to the safety of our people and their families, and steps must be taken at work and home to counter its feature," said Gregory Heller, 366th Fighter Wing Operations Security program manager and chief of information protection. "The people out there who want to hurt us now have an added tool through Facebook that will compromise your location -- it gives them a map of exactly where you are. Many people don't even know the application exists."

This application is especially dangerous for users downrange. It can also bring harm to the family members they may have left behind.

"If people are identifying that they are separated from the servicemember and are in fact alone, it creates vulnerability for them," Mr. Heller said. "Even if you post something and someone takes offense, this gives that individual a tool to find you."

To counter this risk, Mr. Heller strongly advises all Facebook users to disable the feature:
  1. Click "Account" then "Privacy Settings." On the first page that appears click "Customize settings."
  2. Under "Things I share" heading, disable "Include me in 'People Here Now' after I check in" box by un-ticking the box. Then change the "Places I check in to" tab to "Only Me" by clicking on the drop down menu on the right, choosing Custom, then Only Me, then Save Settings. (Refer to Graphic 1)
  3. To stop other users from posting your location on Facebook, under the "Things others share" section, click the Edit Settings tab to the right of "Friends can check me in to Places." Click the drop down menu and choose "disabled." (Refer to Graphic 2)
  4. Click the "Back to Privacy" tab and at the bottom of the page is a section entitled "Applications and Websites." Click "Edit your settings" which is highlighted blue. Click the Edit settings tab next to "Info accessible through your friends."
  5. Uncheck the boxes "Current city" and "Places I check in to." Once complete, click on "Save Changes." Then click Okay from the confirmation screen. (Refer to Graphic 3)
For more information on operations security, Airmen can contact their OPSEC program manager.