Which of the following could negatively impact operational security for the DoD?

Utilizing underseas fiber optic cables could negatively impact operational security for the Department of Defense (DoD) because these cables are vulnerable to physical tampering and interception. While they provide essential connectivity and bandwidth for data transmission, they run along the ocean floor and can be physically accessed by adversaries or subjected to malicious activities like tapping. This poses a risk of sensitive information being compromised or intercepted during transmission.

In contrast, domestic suppliers, local infrastructure investments, and secure IT protocols are generally designed to enhance security and operational effectiveness. Domestic suppliers can provide more reliable and controlled access to resources, local infrastructure can strengthen resilience and reduce dependence on vulnerable systems, and secure IT protocols are specifically implemented to protect data integrity and privacy. Overall, the use of underseas fiber optic cables, while beneficial for their technological advantages, raises concerns regarding the potential exposure of critical data in a manner that can be exploited by adversaries.