Source: NPR
Summary
A French naval officer accidentally revealed the location of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier by uploading his running route on Strava, a fitness tracking app. The incident occurred in January 2020. The officer’s run around the deck was tracked by Strava, which published the route online, potentially compromising the warship’s location.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds ambitious. A French naval officer went for a run and accidentally shared the warship’s location with the world. Because what’s a little OPSEC when you’re trying to get those fitness goals? The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier’s location was leaked on Strava, because who needs secrecy when you can have a good Strava score? The officer’s run was tracked and published online, making it a great example of how fitness tracking can be a real workout for national security.
The launch follows a familiar script: new tech, same old mistakes.
Author: Evan Null
Related Incidents
This is not the first time that Strava has inadvertently revealed sensitive information. In 2018, the app published a “heat map” of user activity that revealed the locations of secret military bases around the world.
OPSEC Fail
The incident highlights the importance of operational security (OPSEC) in the military. The officer’s mistake could have had serious consequences, and it’s a reminder that even seemingly innocuous activities can compromise national security.
Strava’s Response
Strava has since implemented measures to prevent similar incidents, including allowing users to opt out of the heat map feature and providing guidance on how to use the app securely.
Lessons Learned
The incident serves as a reminder that even the most mundane activities can have unintended consequences. It’s a lesson that the military and civilians alike should take to heart: think before you post, and consider the potential consequences of your actions.
