Operations Security (OPSEC) is a process designed to disrupt or defeat the ability of foreign intelligence or other adversaries to exploit sensitive Departmental activities or information and to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of such information.

The objective of the OPSEC Program is to help ensure that sensitive information is protected from compromise and secured against inadvertent disclosure. The program is structured to provide personnel with the necessary information required for sound risk management decisions concerning the protection of sensitive information. OPSEC techniques and measures must be utilized throughout the Department of Energy to achieve this objective.

OPSEC, as mandated by Executive Order, is identified as a five-step process:

• Identification of critical information
• Analysis of threats
• Analysis of vulnerabilities
• Assessment of risk
• Application of appropriate countermeasures