live drop
Spy's direct exchange
A live drop is a method of passing materials between two people without direct contact, using a prearranged location where one party leaves something for another to retrieve.
The term comes from espionage tradecraft, where it contrasts with a dead drop: in a live drop, both parties are present at the location simultaneously or in quick succession, whereas a dead drop involves leaving materials to be collected later.
The handler arranged a live drop at the train station newsstand.
One who manages something
- assetItem of value owned
- brush passSurreptitious walking exchange
- safe houseSecret secure refuge
- exfiltrationCovert withdrawal of people/data
tradecraft · counterintelligence · moles · double agent · signal · cutout · pickup · retrieval
Concealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- covertIntentionally concealed
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
reconnaissance · intelligence · surreptitious · cloak-and-dagger · agent · classified · secret · stealth
Message-conveying cue
- indicatorSign revealing status
- notificationFormal notice given
- confirmationEstablishing something as true
- coded messageText needing decryption
encrypted · one-way · anonymous · untraceable · relay · acknowledgment
Position in space
- siteDesignated location
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- timingArt of choosing moments
- windowGlass-fitted wall opening
package · container · hollow · concealed · retrieve · deposit · predetermined · prearranged
handler
One who manages something
- assetItem of value owned
- brush passSurreptitious walking exchange
- safe houseSecret secure refuge
exfiltration · tradecraft · counterintelligence · moles · double agent · signal · cutout · pickup · retrieval · rendezvous
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- covertIntentionally concealed
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
surveillance · reconnaissance · intelligence · surreptitious · cloak-and-dagger · agent · classified · secret · stealth · shadowy
signal
Message-conveying cue
- indicatorSign revealing status
- notificationFormal notice given
- confirmationEstablishing something as true
coded message · encrypted · one-way · anonymous · untraceable · relay · acknowledgment
location
Position in space
- siteDesignated location
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- timingArt of choosing moments
window · package · container · hollow · concealed · retrieve · deposit · predetermined · prearranged · secure
live dropdead drop
Secret exchange location
hidden cache · dead letter box · drop box · brush pass · cutout
live droppre-recorded
Captured beforehand for playback
recorded · delayed broadcast · taped · on-demand · rerun
live, drop, lived, living, lives, alive, lively, livelihood, drops