Over the course of my professional and military career, I’ve noticed an increasing trend in malicious actions targeting the military community. Military personnel face unique cybersecurity threats, including targeted identity theft from foreign adversaries. Service members in particular are high-value targets due to their security clearances, financial stability, and access to classified or sensitive information. 

If an attacker compromises a military member’s identity, the consequences extend beyond personal financial harm, as such breaches can impact mission readiness, and even have national security implications. This observation is supported by recent reports from organizations such as the Military Officers Association of America and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) whose reports indicate that active-duty servicemembers are 76% more likely than other adults to experience identity theft. In 2023 alone, veterans lost $350 million to fraud, further demonstrating the scale of the problem (MOAA).

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the ways military members can proactively secure their data, and the steps they can take to strengthen their cybersecurity. 

1. Use a Password Manager to Secure Accounts

One of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft is by using a password manager such as 1Password or Apple Passwords. These tools generate and store complex, unique passwords for every account, reducing the risk of credential stuffing attacks—where cybercriminals use leaked passwords from one breach to access other accounts. Additionally, many password managers also monitor the dark web for exposed credentials, alerting users if their passwords have been compromised.

Without a password manager, military members often resort to reusing passwords or creating weak, easily guessed variations —both of which leave them vulnerable to hacking attempts. A compromised account can provide an adversary with access to financial data, military correspondence, or personal details from both you and your family members that can be used for further exploitation.

2. Set Up Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts

Protecting financial accounts is essential for military members, utilizing credit freezes and fraud alerts through Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax helps prevent unauthorized access.

  • Credit Freeze: This restricts access to a service member’s credit file, preventing new credit applications from being opened in their name. Since identity thieves often use stolen information to apply for loans or credit cards, a freeze effectively blocks this form of fraud.
  • Fraud Alerts: These notify creditors to take additional verification steps before approving new credit applications, making it more difficult for criminals to commit identity fraud.

For military personnel, an Active Duty Fraud Alert provides an extra safeguard by requiring businesses to take additional steps to verify identities before extending credit. This is particularly beneficial for those on deployment, ensuring they remain protected even when they are unable to monitor their financial accounts closely.

In addition to these measures, service members should routinely review their credit reports and bank statements to catch any suspicious activity early. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows individuals to request a free credit report annually from each major credit bureau via AnnualCreditReport.com.

Additionally, military members can enroll in Active Duty Fraud Alerts, which extend standard fraud alerts for a full year. The FTC reports that active-duty servicemembers are nearly three times as likely to report unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts compared to non-military consumers (FTC). Regular monitoring allows service members to quickly detect and address fraudulent transactions before significant damage occurs.

3. Be Wary of Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Military personnel are prime targets for phishing attempts, where attackers impersonate banks, government agencies, military support organizations, and other legitimate institutions to steal sensitive data. These scams often take the form of:

  • Fake emails from financial institutions requesting login credentials.
  • Phone calls from “credit agencies” asking for personal verification details.
  • Social media messages from unknown contacts attempting to extract personal information.

A recent example of this threat occurred in March 2024, when the U.S. Department of Justice disrupted a Russian hacking group targeting American officials and nonprofits. The group employed spear-phishing emails that appeared to come from trusted sources to steal sensitive information from U.S. government and defense personnel, intelligence community members, and contractors.

By remaining alert and implementing strong cybersecurity habits, military personnel can protect themselves from phishing attacks and prevent identity theft before it occurs.

4. Secure Personal Devices and Online Presence

Cybercriminals exploit weakly secured personal devices to steal information, or install malware. To reduce risk, military members should:

  • Keep devices updated with the latest security patches.
  • Use encrypted messaging apps for sensitive communication.
  • Install a robust antivirus to detect and block malware, spyware, and phishing attacks. 
  • Limit the amount of personal data shared on social media, as adversaries use social engineering to gather intelligence.

Additionally, using a tool such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi can help prevent attackers from intercepting sensitive data by encrypting internet traffic, masking the user’s IP address, and securing communications from potential eavesdroppers or malicious actors on unsecured networks.

The Risks of Inaction

Failing to implement these protective measures can have serious consequences. A compromised identity can lead to financial hardship, career setbacks, and even security clearance revocation. In extreme cases, a foreign adversary could exploit stolen information to manipulate, blackmail, or discredit a service member, affecting unit readiness and operational security.

How BlackCloak Can Help Protect Military Members

Cyber threats against military personnel are becoming more sophisticated, and traditional protections may not be enough. BlackCloak specializes in Digital Executive Protection, providing proactive identity monitoring, real-time threat intelligence, and security measures that safeguard both personal and professional digital lives.

BlackCloak offers:

  • Continuous Dark Web Monitoring – Alerts for leaked credentials before they can be exploited.
  • Private Executive Cybersecurity – Protection beyond traditional antivirus and firewalls.
  • Personalized Security Strategies – Tailored for military personnel and high-risk individuals.
  • Hands-on Incident Response – Immediate action if a breach occurs.

For retired service members looking to secure their identity, finances, and personal data, partnering with BlackCloak provides an elite level of cybersecurity protection that ensures mission readiness is never compromised by a digital attack.

Please reach out to me to learn more about how BlackCloak can help military personnel protect their digital lives.