Internet Safety Tips for Military Families – Protect Your Digital Footprint

We’re living in an era where cyber warfare poses a serious threat to both our nation and the individuals serving in the armed forces. If members of the military fall victim to hacking, it can have devastating personal impacts and even escalate into significant national security risks.

With relocations and deployments being a part of military life, it’s important for military families to protect both their personal security (PERSEC) and operations security (OPSEC) at the same time. These Internet safety tips can serve as a reminder or introduction to what to do and what not to do to protect yourself and your family while online.

The Importance of Cybersecurity

As the sophistication of online threats advances, so should your ability to detect and ward off attempts at identity theft, online scams, and malicious hacking events. Continually learning about the latest iterations of OPSEC and PERSEC can help keep your sensitive information under lock and key.

What is OPSEC (Operations Security)?

OPSEC is a highly technical and systematic approach to protecting vital information from enemies to help safeguard national security. One of the most important OPSEC practices is keeping military members' locations and activities private.

This can include:

• Not sharing deployment locations.
• Keeping information about troop movements on a need-to-know basis.
• Ensuring mission details aren’t leaked.

Sensitive information like this can unintentionally be revealed through seemingly harmless online interactions, posts from social media accounts, and other casual activities.

What is PERSEC (Personal Security)?

While OPSEC is more about mission/national security, PERSEC is more focused on keeping your personal data secure. Regardless of your occupation, sharing too much information online (i.e., travel dates, locations, duty station locations, etc.) makes it easier for hackers and other cybercriminals to violate your personal security and cause real damage.

Cybersecurity Tips for Military Families

Keep your family’s digital security safe and secure with these timeless Internet safety tips.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Gone are the days of easily predictable passwords. Most simple passwords can be hacked by either brute force or easy guessing. That’s why you should consider the following before creating a new password:

• The longer the password, the better (14 or more characters).
• Don’t use the same passwords across online accounts.
• Use uncommon words and combinations.
• Keep your personal information out of your passwords.

Avoid Public WiFi – It’s Free, But It’ll Cost You

These are the hunting grounds of the world’s most nefarious hackers, which is why it’s best to steer clear of them at all costs. However, if you can’t avoid public WiFi, it can be helpful to encrypt your data with a VPN when accessing sensitive data (banking apps, social media, etc.) on your smartphone.

Encrypt Your Device

It sounds highly technical, but “device encryption” is just locking your phone or mobile device via password or biometric data. The good news is that both Android and Apple phones automatically do this when your phone is locked. To double up your protection, make sure you have a military-friendly mobile phone plan.

Social Media Security Practices

No matter where you go in the world, it’s difficult to escape the ubiquitous reach of social media – which is why it poses major security risks if not properly managed.

Privacy Settings

These are essential because they allow you to control how your personal information in apps and your social media accounts is collected, stored, and used. It can also help you control who can and can’t see what you post online.

Limit Sharing of Location Data

When possible, turn off the location-sharing features in your apps to limit the potential of tracking. This is especially important when you’re relocating to a new duty station.

Careful Posting During Deployments

Even the most innocent posts can have unintended consequences. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to stay away from posting about your deployments or travel plans.

Protecting Your Family's Digital Footprint

The bigger the footprint, the easier it is to hunt. Keep your family's digital net as tight as possible to prevent potential security threats.

Monitor Children’s Online Activity

The internet is full of threats specifically designed to target children, from harmful websites and inappropriate content to online predators and scams disguised as games or apps. Children are often seen as easy targets because they may not yet recognize the dangers of sharing personal information or engaging with strangers online.

Cybercriminals use tactics like fake social media profiles, misleading gaming platforms, and tempting “free” offers to lure kids into revealing sensitive details or unknowingly downloading malicious software.

To keep your kids safe, set up age-appropriate parental controls. These tools allow you to monitor their online activity, block inappropriate content, limit screen time, and restrict access to certain websites or apps. Parental controls can also help you manage who your child interacts with online so they’re not exposed to cyber predators or scams.

In addition to parental controls, it’s important to talk openly with your children about online safety. Teach them not to share personal information like their name, school, or location and to always ask before clicking on unfamiliar links or downloading apps.

Be Wary of Hackers Fishing For Phishing Victims

Weird emails, odd friend requests, and suspicious messages could be malicious phishing attempts to steal vital personal and/or financial information. Cybercriminals often use these tactics to trick individuals into sharing passwords, bank details, or other critical data. Sometimes, they even impersonate trusted contacts, organizations, or familiar platforms to make their attempts seem legitimate.

Be sure to educate your family about these types of threats and develop safe online habits. Remind them not to click on unknown links, download unexpected attachments, or respond to requests for personal information, no matter how convincing they may appear. Encourage safe online habits, like setting strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and verifying unfamiliar requests directly through trusted channels.

Tips for Staying Secure While Moving

Relocating across the country or even the world is challenging enough without worrying about cyber threats. These tips will help you protect your personal information and stay secure while on the move.

Use Secure Internet Connections

Opt for personal WiFi Hotspots and military-approved WiFi networks. This can help you and your loved ones decrease the odds of being hacked and tracked.

Safe Data Transfer

Secure your sensitive documents and make sure your data is protected. Back up your data using an encrypted storage device or military-approved cloud network that you trust.

Check Service Provider Security Features

If you’re living off base, you’ll need to research your Internet service provider (ISP) to make sure they offer the latest advancements in malware protection and highly secure WiFi options.

Military-Specific Cybersecurity Tools and Resources

The good news is there are many effective tools and resources available to military service members and their families to help with online safety, including:

• Aura: Offers identity theft, fraud, and cybercrime protection to military members.
• MilSecure Mobile: A DOD-approved safe and secure web application that allows service members to securely access protected websites.
• Military OneSource: Provides extensive training about online safety for service members.
• Cybersecurity Awareness Programs: There are many programs available through the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps for active-duty and retired military.

How SmartMove Can Help With Internet Relocation

From resources about military clauses in TV and Internet contracts to moving tips to everything in between – SmartMove is dedicated to showing service members just how much we appreciate them.

If you’re currently relocating, don’t wait until the last minute to get connected. Enter your address below to learn about the best Internet plans for Military Members in your area.