Counterintelligence Operations Flashcards

What is the primary counterintelligence mission of the FBI?

Answer: To detect, investigate, and neutralize foreign intelligence threats inside the United States

The FBI is the lead domestic counterintelligence agency responsible for identifying and countering foreign espionage and influence operations on U.S. soil.

What is 'espionage' as defined under U.S. federal law?

Answer: The unauthorized collection and transmission of national defense information to a foreign entity

Espionage under 18 U.S.C. § 794 involves transmitting national defense information to foreign governments or agents with intent to harm the U.S.

In FBI counterintelligence, what is a 'double agent'?

Answer: An individual who works for one intelligence service while secretly reporting to another

A double agent appears to work for one service but is actually controlled by and reporting to an opposing intelligence organization.

Which foreign nation does the FBI identify as its top counterintelligence threat?

Answer: China

The FBI has publicly identified China's intelligence services as the most significant long-term counterintelligence threat to U.S. government and industry.

What is an 'intelligence officer' versus an 'agent' in intelligence terminology?

Answer: An intelligence officer is a career professional employee of an intelligence service; an agent is a recruited asset who reports to the officer

Intelligence officers are trained professionals who recruit and run agents (human sources) who provide information in return for compensation or ideological motivation.

What is the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant used for in FBI investigations?

Answer: To authorize electronic surveillance and physical searches targeting foreign powers and their agents in the U.S.

FISA provides a legal framework for national security surveillance of foreign powers and agents that is separate from the criminal warrant process.