This part is about physical operational security and you might wonder what does D.U.M.B. stands for? It‘s quite simple, Deep Underground Military Bases. I used the as a reference of the impenetrable building that your OPSEC should be. Because doesn‘t matter how good your digital OPSEC is if your physical is horrendous and vice versa.
Before I dive into this section anyone who has a love for safe-cracking and lock-picking like me should definitely check out books written by Jayson Street called „Dissecting the Hack: F0rb1dd3n Network“ and „Dissecting the Hack: STARS (Security Threats Are Real)“ he does quite a good job of explaining the importance of both digital and physical security and consequences disregarding any of the carries. Also, „The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing, Seventh Edition“ and „Master Locksmithing: An Expert’s Guide“ are fun reads filled with throve of information.
What is physical OPSEC (commonly referred to as analog) and why is it so much important? Well, analog OPSEC is like when you‘re using markets to order some drugs, you don‘t leave that device logged in, and unattended, you don’t leave your doors unlocked when you leave the house, all of that is analog OPSEC. People usually tend to disregard it as less important, but make no mistake it‘s as important as a digital one.
Just like in digital, I can only give you suggestions and make you think, as every situation and threat model is different.
Let‘s make an assumption you‘re a dealer, you don‘t do markets, prefer the old-fashioned way. I‘ll list some advice you might find usable:
- Don‘t talk too much – where your safehouse is, how much weight you have, are you armed or not, etc. All of these things can be a reason why you‘ll be abducted, tortured, or killed.
- Don‘t shit where you eat – don‘t slang dope in your own hood. That‘s just bad practice overall, move your business across town.
- Don‘t be friends with clients – you can‘t be friends with addicts. They can be one or another, not both. Because addicts will roll over and sing if they‘re caught. Having an addict as a friend is a great way to ensure a long vacation at any correctional facility worldwide.
- Know when to give up – this is probably the most important, if something feels wrong, that‘s because it probably is. Trust your gut, know that stepping back isn‘t always a bad thing. As Frank Lucas was told by his supplier; “Giving up and giving up while you’re ahead is not the same Frank.”
- Don‘t work with – friend of a friend of a friend, they‘re probably undercover cops.
- Think ahead – Always, and I mean always have an exit plan. Whether it‘s a forged passport, 50k in cash, and a ticket to some South African island that doesn‘t have an extradition treaty with anyone. Or down-payment of couple hundred thousand to the most expensive lawyer in the city. Just make sure you have a plan.
These are just several things, to keep an eye out for. There is literally tons of more advice for various professions, but if I keep this up, I won‘t get to post it in time. Just keep in mind that anything can be broken into, hacked, lock-picked, or exploited.