Navy Secretary Hung Cao warns personnel to review social media accounts for sensitive information

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao says drone activity near U.S. military bases is part of a coordinated effort to gather intelligence and test defenses that have increased since the start of the U.S. war on Iran.

Mr. Cao said last week in a message to naval personnel that military installations are under increased vigilance due to “recent uncrewed aircraft system encounters, suspicious activities, cyber threats and acts of violence.”

“In the current global security climate, adversaries and hostile actors are executing a coordinated, multi-domain campaign against the DON [Department of the Navy] enterprise,” he wrote. “These are not isolated events; they are part of a deliberate effort to gather intelligence, test our defenses, disrupt our operations and intimidate our force.”

The strategy includes targeting Navy personnel and families through social media and online platforms. The publication of personal information, also known as doxxing, is among the tactics being used against U.S. forces, Mr. Cao said.

He warned naval personnel to review all social media accounts — including those of family members — for publicly available personal information.

“Set profiles to private. Remove any information that could identify your connection to the DON or reveal patterns of life,” Mr. Cao wrote. “Adversaries are actively mining this data.”

Suspicious behavior, including people lingering or photographing near gates, perimeter fences or housing areas, should be reported immediately.

“Pay particular attention to the use of telephoto lenses or attempts to conceal the activity or depart hurriedly once observed,” he said.

He also warned against anyone showing “undue interest” in Navy activities, such as seeking information about ship or personnel movement, deployment dates or base operations.

“Don’t rationalize suspicious activity. Trust your instincts,” Mr. Cao wrote. “A seemingly minor observation may be a critical component to identify and mitigate threats.”