counter intelligence
Thwarting enemy spies
Counterintelligence is the work of detecting and thwarting enemy espionage.
Intelligence agencies gather information; counterintelligence prevents others from gathering information about you.
The field involves identifying foreign spies, protecting classified information, and running operations to mislead adversaries: The FBI handles domestic counterintelligence.
Also spelled as two words.
Intentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- agentsThose who act for others
moles · sleeper cells · black ops · HUMINT · SIGINT · tradecraft · assets · handler
Restricted from disclosure
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
- vettingEvaluating suitability through investigation
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- compartmentalizationDivision into distinct sections
need-to-know · encryption · secure communications · access control · debriefing · polygraph · background check · leak prevention
Intentional deceptive falsehoods
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- double agentSpy betraying their side
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- feintDeceptive mock attack
ruse · smokescreen · plant · false flag · honey trap · provocation · turned agent · legend
covert
Intentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
agents · moles · sleeper cells · black ops · HUMINT · SIGINT · tradecraft · assets · handler · double agent
classified
Restricted from disclosure
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
- vettingEvaluating suitability through investigation
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
compartmentalization · need-to-know · encryption · secure communications · access control · debriefing · polygraph · background check · leak prevention · information security
disinformation
Intentional deceptive falsehoods
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- double agentSpy betraying their side
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
feint · ruse · smokescreen · plant · false flag · honey trap · provocation · turned agent · legend · cover story
counter intelligenceespionage
Covert intelligence gathering
foreign intelligence · spying · intelligence gathering · HUMINT · covert operations
counter, intelligence, count, counting, counted, countable, uncountable, recount, account