OPSEC. Operattional Security

[JmSuttr]

Is simply this: What would it take to ruin (or seriously disrupt) my life?

The answer will be different for everyone but will generally encompass two main categories: economic and non-economic. At the lower (more risk tolerant) end of the spectrum might be someone who is retired, unmarried, with no local family and not much going on in terms of local community involvement. This guy could literally get snatched up in an LE sting, have his mug shot published in the local rag, pay for a lawyer, fine, community service, whatever, and walk away at the end of it all flipping the bird to the system.

At the higher (least risk tolerant) end of the spectrum is the guy who's entire life will unravel with the slightest pull on a string. Married, or SO with whom he's financially entangled, young kids of child-support age, or older kids in college. Prominent in the community with a long way down if he falls from grace. Business or job he will likely lose and challenges finding equivalent employment in the future.

Most are somewhere in the middle, but it's my guess more are closer to #2 than they are to #1. And it never ceases to amaze me how many mongers who are in the #2 (less risk tolerant) half of the spectrum do things to shoot themselves in the foot, things that are completely under their control.

Things like giving PII and work info to an agency, or an indie who "requires it for her safety" as verification. Or inviting a provider he's never seen before to a hotel room he's rented in his own name using a personal or work credit card. Or visiting an AMP without some idea about the area, like the best place to park and how to approach with maximum privacy.

Again, everyone's different and that's why the answer to the question at the top of this post is so important. There are enough variables out there over which we have no control, like unexpectedly running into an acquaintance or relative from the other side of the country. All we can do is avoid getting lazy or complacent, stay a little bit paranoid, and pay attention to detail.

Many thanks to all the diligent OPSEC contributors.

P.S. Almost forgot one item that's more of an issue in the DMV than elsewhere in the country, that is the security clearance many jobs require as a condition of employment. Anyone who's ever been involved in that process knows that a clearance can be suspended or revoked for a whole range of reasons, no arrest required. There are many lawyers who specialize in trying get a clearance restored, but they're not cheap.

[FarFarAway]

So I move on to what I fear most regarding opsec anf for me that is a black swan event during a date, things like seeing someone I know in places I shouldn't be, or having my car break down in a hotel parking lot. Or having a girl go cray cray refuse to leave a room, accuse me of something, or having an angry BF show up. That's what I fear most doing this.

I had this exact thing happen. I am about to walk in to a hotel, I have my 19 YO ballerina SB in the room already that she got for us, and out walks someone I say to myself - ' she looks familiar. She looks like XXXXX, my wife's uncle's wife'. And then someone who looks like my wife's uncle. Who lives on the east coast, whereas we are on the west coast. What are the odds? . I just keep walking, go around the corner and hide out for a while. After a few weeks, I relax, I am not ratted out. I formulate a reason I was on that street in case I got turned in, not a great one, but as good as I could do under the circumstances. One of my closest calls ever.

[BMoreDog69]

An excellent comment.

This is like computer security. What are the vulnerabilities? What are the probabilities that these vulnerabilities will be exploited, and what is the impact if this happens? Risk is the combination of impact and probability. Probability is affected the cost of exploiting a technical vulnerability versus the potential value of the information. As individuals, LE doesn't give two turds about 99.99% of us. Spouses. Jobs (especially around here). You're likely at greater risk of bring home an STI to your spouse. Unless you're a complete moron and do really stupid crap, regularly.

I think the ship has already sailed regarding not leaving a breadcrumb trail for someone to deduce our questionable activities. At least speaking for me, even though I use a burner paid in cash linked to a burner email. The issue is not that the incriminating data is or isn't out there (it is) but who would take an interest in such data, and what knowledge and resources do they have to assemble and analyze it enough to make an I'd and use it to target you. Obviously if you have enemies, you're more vulnerable. Stories like the gay priest outed by his location data (Search it) terrify me, considering the tools available to make such extrapolations for I'd purposes will only become more available and powerful. Legislation is the only thing that will stop such encroachment, and considering the state of our government, good luck with that.

So I move on to what I fear most regarding opsec anf for me that is a black swan event during a date, things like seeing someone I know in places I shouldn't be, or having my car break down in a hotel parking lot. Or having a girl go cray cray refuse to leave a room, accuse me of something, or having an angry BF show up. That's what I fear most doing this.

[HarryMcHardon]

If most of us were aware of the technologies currently in use we wouldn't be doing this any longer, or pretty much anything for that matter. The surveiling of everyone is totally out of control. Anyone thinking every footprint they make at home or away from home isn't stored is lying to themselves. Let me ask two simple questions, then I'll reply with examples to refute anyone who thinks their slick enough to pull either off. How does one aquire a burner phone and use it anonymously without any connection to oneself? Lastly, how can anyone possibly visit any provider without leaving a trail that they were there? We're all kidding ourselves!

I think the ship has already sailed regarding not leaving a breadcrumb trail for someone to deduce our questionable activities. At least speaking for me, even though I use a burner paid in cash linked to a burner email. The issue is not that the incriminating data is or isn't out there (it is) but who would take an interest in such data, and what knowledge and resources do they have to assemble and analyze it enough to make an I'd and use it to target you. Obviously if you have enemies, you're more vulnerable. Stories like the gay priest outed by his location data (Search it) terrify me, considering the tools available to make such extrapolations for I'd purposes will only become more available and powerful. Legislation is the only thing that will stop such encroachment, and considering the state of our government, good luck with that.

So I move on to what I fear most regarding opsec anf for me that is a black swan event during a date, things like seeing someone I know in places I shouldn't be, or having my car break down in a hotel parking lot. Or having a girl go cray cray refuse to leave a room, accuse me of something, or having an angry BF show up. That's what I fear most doing this.

[FarFarAway]

Well my crackphone was bought with cash, the refill cards are the same. Registered it on a burner email. So doubt they will want to spend a lot of manhours trying to track a phone used for this hobby. Now if it were a homicide investigation sure. But with such low hanging fruit out there that requires little effort to make a bust you know which way they will go.

Yeah, same her for my 'bat phone'. I don't think that is my greatest vulnerability. As the OP says, the thing we are trying to avoid is the SO figuring out we are stepping out, and the sugar baby figuring out our IRL identity and then doing something stupid with that.

I don't have a big worry that Google could easily figure me out based on other activities on my IRL Android phone. Recall how Petraeus was busted w / his mistress. They had a good plan, but their phones were on and near each other. That ratted them out.

[Sex Rohmer]

Get a burner. Forward your number to it. Leave your iphone where you want its location to appear. You can receive calls but not make them or do texts. If you got a second iPhone, then you could text both ways since you can unify your messages devices. Technically you could make calls but you would need to suppress caller I'd and might get questions about that. Also your second phone could do all your regular email accounts.

There is a hardware option https://www.gfaker.com/product/gfaker-gf/.

A second iphone lets you duplicate all your key apps. Plus you might be able to share your location from the second phone and turn it off on your primary. If your concern is your SO, then you might have to explain that you need to turn it off for an OS update, etc, then turn it on on the second iphone and she will think your location is that of your second iphone.

[Proflou2019]

Anyone. VaPlay's point is even with a burner, a detailed analysis of it's location can determine where it's domiciled and who owns it. In his example, if your real phone and burner phone are at the same location several times a year (or traveling in the same car, etc,) that co-location can be used to reveal your identity. We each tune our OPSEC to our particular situation. For me, it's keeping my hobby from a low-tech SO, which isn't too difficult. That said, I always guard against my own complacence.

All true. A burner reduces risk of activities discovery for the majority of hobbyists, sure, but nobody should think it makes their activity untraceable. If it has a SIM or in any way connects to cellular networks, having location services on the phone enabled or disabled really doesn't matter, each and every cell tower connection is logged and timestamped. Someone considering getting a burner shouldn't think for a moment that Verizon or ATT or even third party cell site operators aren't going to deny any lawful requests for that info, be it from LE or court ordered discovery or whatever.

Lou.

[RogerOver]

Anyone. VaPlay's point is even with a burner, a detailed analysis of it's location can determine where it's domiciled and who owns it. In his example, if your real phone and burner phone are at the same location several times a year (or traveling in the same car, etc,) that co-location can be used to reveal your identity. We each tune our OPSEC to our particular situation. For me, it's keeping my hobby from a low-tech SO, which isn't too difficult. That said, I always guard against my own complacence.

But I disagree about "Anyone. " Anyone doesn't have the resources to make those analytical data points; only law enforcement. I was making the point that a typical SO doesn't have the resources for that, and no casual burner user trying to hide banging hookers from his wife needs to worry about that. Most of the posts I see on this thread are about hiding from spouses. LE is a whole different ball game.

[CuriousVaMan]

Anyone. VaPlay's point is even with a burner, a detailed analysis of it's location can determine where it's domiciled and who owns it. In his example, if your real phone and burner phone are at the same location several times a year (or traveling in the same car, etc,) that co-location can be used to reveal your identity. We each tune our OPSEC to our particular situation. For me, it's keeping my hobby from a low-tech SO, which isn't too difficult. That said, I always guard against my own complacence.

I'm not sure I understand your point. Clandestinely slipping by who?

[Sex Rohmer]

Hello all. Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but would appreciate guidance if I need to be directed elsewhere. If the help is accurate and reliable, I am also happy to provide gratuity.

This isn't strictly related to escorting, but I do need to find a way to spoof my iphone's location for a day. For varying reasons, I need to have it on my person at all times. I also can't turn off my location services.

If anyone has a guidance on this, I'd highly appreciate it. Either response to this post or DM is fine. I have contributed to the boards and will continue to do so in the future as I appreciate the clandestine nature of this community.

Get a burner. Forward your number to it. Leave your iphone where you want its location to appear. You can receive calls but not make them or do texts. If you got a second iPhone, then you could text both ways since you can unify your messages devices. Technically you could make calls but you would need to suppress caller I'd and might get questions about that. Also your second phone could do all your regular email accounts.

[KeyKing7]

Hello all. Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but would appreciate guidance if I need to be directed elsewhere. If the help is accurate and reliable, I am also happy to provide gratuity.

This isn't strictly related to escorting, but I do need to find a way to spoof my iphone's location for a day. For varying reasons, I need to have it on my person at all times. I also can't turn off my location services.

If anyone has a guidance on this, I'd highly appreciate it. Either response to this post or DM is fine. I have contributed to the boards and will continue to do so in the future as I appreciate the clandestine nature of this community.

[RogerOver]

Well I only wish it was just the NSA and big budget agencies with access. Here lies the problem. I'm also pretty sure most burners are purchased in person with cash, and also travel around everywhere by someone who's carrying their other phone or devices. Even if the burner is powered off and having location services turned off both devices travel as one over a short period of time. I can even imagine the burner traveling to the workplace or home frequently. How many do this and think they're clandestinely slipping by.

I'm not sure I understand your point. Clandestinely slipping by who?

[VaPlay]

[QUOTE=RogerOver;7509974]Reading through the posts here, it seems some are trying to outwit the NSA or agencies with the budget and access to all these diverse databases. I'd offer that's not the case. You're most likely hiding from your wives or significant others. If you're busted, it would depend on how far the divorce attorney is willing to go, and if you live in a "no fault" state or not.

Getting a burner isn't difficult. But you probably walk past about a dozen ring doorbells, 20 flock cameras, and cop car license plate readers on the way to your hooker's place of business. None of that is accessible to the people you're hiding from.

I'd think OPSEC for the circumstances of most posters here, is keeping your identity secret from the prostitutes, and hiding your activity from your wives. None of that requires trying to hide from law enforcement agencies.[QUOTE]Well I only wish it was just the NSA and big budget agencies with access. Here lies the problem. I'm also pretty sure most burners are purchased in person with cash, and also travel around everywhere by someone who's carrying their other phone or devices. Even if the burner is powered off and having location services turned off both devices travel as one over a short period of time. I can even imagine the burner traveling to the workplace or home frequently. How many do this and think they're clandestinely slipping by.

[JmSuttr]

It's been rightly pointed out that most of the time it's wives, girlfriends, and divorce attorneys who are the people we're trying to keep in the dark, none of whom have the power to issue subpoenas orr warrants. But in recent years it's become the case that more and more activity that was previously considered garden-variety prostitution has been reclassified as trafficking, which brings a higher level of jeopardy.

Actual human trafficking has very specific criteria, but that doesn't matter to LE and their media buddies. Using the trafficking label brings grant dollars into local LE budgets, raises the profile of local politicians, and increases traffic to media websites, so there's a built-in incentive to misclassify. That matters because trafficking elevates things to felony levels during the investigative stages, even if not a SINGLE trafficking charge is ever successfully proved at trial.

AMPs and agencies are the usual targets, and that's where some of the suggestions I made in my earlier post may prove helpful. If you recall last year's agency bust near Boston, which threatened to spill over into the DMV, many of the mongers were nailed by a combination of using their real number + explicit discussions of exchanging $ for sexual acts. They were the low hanging fruit. IIRC, there were many more suspects initially announced by LE than were eventually charged. IMO, once they had enough "slam dunk" cases, they'd made their point and didn't need to keep going.

Unfortunately for us, there's no way to know beforehand if an AMP or agency is on LE's 'trafficking' radar, as they're all potential targets. So the best thing a monger can do, if they frequent such establishments, is to not be the low-hanging fruit. And that's where good OPSEC pays dividends.

[RogerOver]

If most of us were aware of the technologies currently in use we wouldn't be doing this any longer, or pretty much anything for that matter. The surveiling of everyone is totally out of control. Anyone thinking every footprint they make at home or away from home isn't stored is lying to themselves. Let me ask two simple questions, then I'll reply with examples to refute anyone who thinks their slick enough to pull either off. How does one aquire a burner phone and use it anonymously without any connection to oneself? Lastly, how can anyone possibly visit any provider without leaving a trail that they were there? We're all kidding ourselves!

Reading through the posts here, it seems some are trying to outwit the NSA or agencies with the budget and access to all these diverse databases. I'd offer that's not the case. You're most likely hiding from your wives or significant others. If you're busted, it would depend on how far the divorce attorney is willing to go, and if you live in a "no fault" state or not.

Getting a burner isn't difficult. But you probably walk past about a dozen ring doorbells, 20 flock cameras, and cop car license plate readers on the way to your hooker's place of business. None of that is accessible to the people you're hiding from.

I'd think OPSEC for the circumstances of most posters here, is keeping your identity secret from the prostitutes, and hiding your activity from your wives. None of that requires trying to hide from law enforcement agencies.