Short Answer 
The OPSEC cycle includes three key steps: identifying sensitive information (like proprietary and personal data), analyzing potential threats (by assessing adversaries and their capabilities), and applying countermeasures to safeguard data while assessing associated risks. Together, these steps establish a comprehensive approach to protecting valuable information from potential threats.
Step 1: Identification of Sensitive Information
The first step in the OPSEC cycle is to identify what constitutes *sensitive information* that needs to be protected. This includes understanding various types of data such as:
- Proprietary information
- Personal data
- Operational details
Recognizing this information is critical since it forms the basis for your security measures and ensures that the most valuable data is safeguarded from potential threats.
Step 2: Analysis of Threats
Once sensitive information is identified, the next step is to conduct an *analysis of threats*. This step involves evaluating potential adversaries and their capabilities to exploit your sensitive data. This analysis can include:
- Identifying who the threats are (e.g. competitors, hackers)
- Understanding their motives
- Assessing the methods they might use to access sensitive data
By performing this analysis, you gain insights that help in tailoring your security measures effectively.
Step 3: Apply Countermeasures and Assess Risk
After identifying sensitive information and analyzing threats, the final step involves applying *countermeasures* to protect data and performing a thorough *assessment of risk*. This process includes:
- Implementing strategies and tools to mitigate risks
- Evaluating the probability of threats materializing
- Determining the potential impact on operations
This combined effort ensures that organizations can make informed decisions about their security posture and maintain robust operational security.