Social media advisory for defence personnel

After an ISI spy racket involving defence personnel was unearthed, security agencies are keeping a close eye on the social networking profiles of over 2,000 serving and retired officers of the defence forces. According to officials, the move is to ensure that no information is being leaked via social networking sites, which can be used against the nation. Recently, agencies have found involvement of serving and retired officers with Pakistan spy agency ISI. They allegedly used to pass information to them via Internet.
On Monday, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police arrested an Indian Air Force official identified as Ranjith KK. He was caught leaking information on Bathinda air force camp to his Facebook friend.
"There are many officers serving and retired officials who are revealing crucial details of their camps unknowingly on social media websites, which are being misused. Some officers are leaking details to spy agencies against a payment and a close watch is being kept on them," said a senior officer of the central security agency, claiming that more than 2,000 such profiles are under scanner.

Even the defence forces have found that a number of cases have surfaced wherein their personnel have fallen prey to agents of adversaries on social networking sites.
"Many officers were tracked and information was extracted from them on social media websites. Such incidents take place once the identity along with interests and personal views of an individual get highlighted on social networking sites," a senior officer said.
In the wake of incidents like cyber attacks and espionage, senior defence officials have asked their establishment to ensure that no person discloses his service identity on any social networking site. A source claims that despite the policy already being in place, an increasing number of cases of non-adherence are resulting in serious compromises. Their investigation has also revealed that the hackers, suspected to be from Pakistan or China, would 'make friends' with the officer or other members on his friend list to extract details of their location.
"Family members, friends and social acquaintance be briefed that they don't address defence personnel by rank on social media network sites. No discussion related to course, posting be entertained," an advisory to the officials said. It also asked them to stay extra cautious while posting photographs.