Definition ∞ Opsec failure, or operational security failure, in the context of digital assets, refers to a breakdown in practices designed to protect sensitive information and activities from adversaries. This can involve inadvertently revealing private keys, disclosing personal information that aids social engineering attacks, or using insecure communication channels. Such failures often result from a lack of awareness, insufficient training, or a disregard for established security protocols. An opsec failure can directly lead to asset theft or system compromise.
Context ∞ Preventing opsec failure is a constant challenge for individuals and organizations operating with digital assets, as human factors are frequently exploited. Education and rigorous training programs are continually developed to improve user awareness of common attack vectors. Discussions emphasize the importance of compartmentalizing information and adopting a skeptical approach to unsolicited communications. The news often highlights incidents where sophisticated attackers leverage opsec weaknesses to gain access to valuable digital holdings.