Sir,
What are the similarities and differences between OPSEC and Counter Intelligence?
Operations Security (OPSEC) is a process that identifies critical information to determine if friendly actions can be observed by enemy intelligence, determines if information obtained by adversaries could be interpreted to be useful to them, and then executes selected measures that eliminate or reduce adversary exploitation of friendly critical information.
Learn more at Wikipedia / Operations Security.
In theory ostensibly clandestine operations personnel should be exercising discreet and pervasive counter-surveillance measures and ensuring they are not being tracked by any means including chemical dust on their shoes from a compromised maid. In reality CIA and most secret intelligence services appear to practice impunity rather than cover, and all of our clandestine cases officers working out of official cover installation are blown within weeks of arrival.
There are two forms of counterintelligence: defense counterintelligence, and offensive counterintelligence.
Defensive counterintelligence consists of standard security protocols including the vetting of applicants and agents; controls over and monitoring of access to classified information, periodic investigations, physical security, and in some cases, active clandestine surveillance of both suspected traitors and officers from foreign as well as domestic powers hostile to the public interest.
Offensive counterintelligence is the clandestine penetration of foreign and domestic powers hostile to the public interest and requires the most extraordinary clandestine measures possible.
Review: To Catch a Spy – The Art of Counterintelligence
Review: Red Sparrow (Espionage Fiction)
Review: Palace of Treason (Espionage Fiction)
Review: The Kremlin’s Candidate (Espionage Fiction)
It is useful, in evaluating intelligence operations, to think about failure points. I myself focus on leadership, selection of personnel, training, and results. Leadership is responsible for accountability, integration, and impact.
Worth a Look: Book Reviews on Government Secret Intelligence
My most current work on where I wish to go is below.
Smart Nation Vision – By Invitation
SEE ALL
Note: Short URL for the entire series including new posts is
https://tinyurl.com/OSINT-India
See Also:
