Current Affairs
The Character of Intelligence
The Business of Intelligence
Consumers of Intelligence
The Threat
The Intelligence Community at Work
Counterintelligence
Intelligence Over the Years
Recommended Reading

In addition to collecting and processing intelligence about our enemies and reporting to our consumers, the Intelligence Community is also faced with the problem of identifying, understanding, prioritizing and counteracting the intelligence threats (from foreign powers) that are faced by the United States. This activity is known as counterintelligence.

Counterintelligence involves more than simply the catching of spies (counterespionage). It is, in fact, concerned with understanding, and possibly neutralizing, all aspects of the intelligence operations of foreign nations. As defined in Executive Order 12333, counterintelligence includes both "information gathered" and "activities conducted" in order to "to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage or assassination conducted on behalf of foreign powers, organizations, or persons, or international terrorist activities but not including personnel, physical documents or communications security."

The Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive (NCIX) serves as the substantive leader of national-level counterintelligence and coordinates and supports the critical counterintelligence missions of the United States Government. A Presidential Decision Directive (U.S. Counterintelligence Effectiveness - Counterintelligence for the 21^st Century) established the NCIX, and outlines specific steps enabling the U.S. counterintelligence community to better fulfill its mission.

An associated activity is the National Operations Security (OPSEC) Program - a means to identify, control, and protect unclassified information and evidence associated with U.S. national security programs and activities. If not protected, such information often provides an opportunity for exploitation by adversaries or competitors working against the interests of the US. An Interagency OPSEC Support Staff (IOSS) manages the program. Its primary mission is to act as a consultant to other US government departments and agencies, providing technical guidance and assistance that will result in self-sufficient OPSEC programs throughout government.

Other Countermeasures
Other defensive activities not usually considered counterintelligence include communications security, computer security , physical and personnel security, and proactive endeavors such as clandestine operations, deception, and the promulgation of disinformation.

Related Links

PDD entitled "U.S. Counterintelligence Effectiveness - Counterintelligence for the 21^st Century"

Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive (NCIX)

Interagency OPSEC Support Staff (IOSS)