counterespionage
Catching foreign agents
Counterespionage is the work of detecting and thwarting enemy spies.
It differs from counterintelligence, which is broader—counterespionage specifically targets human agents rather than all forms of intelligence gathering.
The agency's counterespionage division uncovered a network of foreign operatives.
Subterranean insectivore
- handlerOne who manages something
- dead-dropCovert message transfer location
- cipherHidden writing system
- decryptionConverting ciphertext to plaintext
bugging · surveillance · infiltration · asset · dossier · debriefing · cover · legend
Information-gathering before action
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- stingSharp wound from insect
sweep · penetration · detection · neutralization · disruption · deception · disinformation · misdirection
U.S. foreign intelligence service
Evaluating suitability through investigation
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- polygraphPhysiological response recorder
- compartmentalizationDivision into distinct sections
- need-to-knowAccess limited by necessity
classification · encryption · debriefing · non-disclosure · indoctrination
Deliberate violation of trust
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- duplicityDeliberate misleading behavior
cloak-and-dagger · treason · defection · double-cross · unmasking · sabotage · subversion · cat-and-mouse
mole
Subterranean insectivore
- handlerOne who manages something
- dead-dropCovert message transfer location
- cipherHidden writing system
decryption · bugging · surveillance · infiltration · asset · dossier · debriefing · cover · legend · exfiltration
reconnaissance
Information-gathering before action
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
sting · sweep · penetration · detection · neutralization · disruption · deception · disinformation · misdirection · manhunt
CIA
U.S. foreign intelligence service
Mossad · spycatcher · analyst · defector · NOC · resident · Stasi
vetting
Evaluating suitability through investigation
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- polygraphPhysiological response recorder
- compartmentalizationDivision into distinct sections
need-to-know · classification · encryption · debriefing · non-disclosure · indoctrination
treachery
Deliberate violation of trust
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
duplicity · cloak-and-dagger · treason · defection · double-cross · unmasking · sabotage · subversion · cat-and-mouse
- Military Securitysecurity clearance, security forces, military police, MPs, classified
counterespionageespionage
Covert intelligence gathering
spying · intelligence gathering · foreign intelligence · covert operations · reconnaissance