Module 8.1: Introduction to Counterintelligence

10 Questions

What is the primary goal of an operational plan in terms of disaster management?

To provide a way out of the worst possible disaster

What is the most significant problem in operational security?

Compromise of intelligence operations

What is a common cause of compromise in intelligence operations?

When members betray themselves through unnatural behavior

How can a person with knowledge of the intelligence organization compromise its operations?

By sharing information with the opposition for revenge

What can be a passive way to effect compromise in intelligence operations?

Through an innocent bystander

What is the primary goal of counterintelligence strategy?

To prevent security breaches and compromise

Why is it important to keep the operational plan simple?

To make it easy to understand and execute

What can happen when the operations of an intelligence organization are not properly covered?

The operation will be more likely to be compromised

What can be a consequence of unnatural or unusual behavior by intelligence organization members?

The operation will draw undue attention to itself

What is the primary focus of operational security?

To prevent security breaches and compromise

Study Notes

Introduction to Counterintelligence

Counterintelligence (CI) is the aspect of police intelligence that deals with security measures to safeguard information, personnel, material, and installations against espionage, sabotage, and subversion by foreign nations and dissident groups or individuals that pose a threat to national security.

Definitions

Espionage: the act or practice of spying, using a spy to discover military or political secrets of other nations.
Sabotage: destruction of property or obstruction of public service to undermine a government's police or military effort.
Subversion: an act that seeks to overthrow a constituted government.
Treason: disloyalty to one's own country by giving away or selling its secrets to the enemy or trying to overthrow its government.
Sedition: any action promoting or inciting discontent or rebellion against a government.

Components of Counterintelligence

Physical Security
Personnel Security
Document Security
Communication Security
Computer Security
Operational Security

Measures for Effective Counterintelligence (CI)

Passive (Defensive) CI: measures that conceal information from the enemy, including secrecy discipline, communication security, and concealment/camouflage.
Active (Offensive) CI: measures that actively block enemy attempts to gain information or engage in espionage, sabotage, or subversion, including detection, prevention, and neutralization.

Broad Categories of CI Operations

Police Security: measures taken by an office or service to protect itself against espionage, sabotage, or subversion, surprise, or enemy observation, including:
- Secrecy discipline
- Special safeguarding of classified information or equipment
- Security of troop movement
- Special handling of evaders and escapees
- Countersubversion within the police service
- Tactical measures in combat areas

Operational Security

The operational plan must provide a way out of the worst possible disaster and away from enemy opportunity.
The operational plan must be as simple as possible.

Problems in Operational Security

Compromise: the biggest blunder to operational security, occurring when intelligence personalities, operations, or operational techniques are disclosed or identified, destroying the effectiveness of the collection effort.
Common causes of compromise include:
- Un-covered operations or unnatural behavior drawing undue attention to the organization.
- A person with knowledge of the intelligence organization and/or its members giving information to the opposition.
- Innocent bystanders unknowingly revealing information.