Deck 8: Counterintelligence

Question 1

Information gathered and activities conducted to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted by or on behalf of foreign governments or elements thereof, foreign organizations or foreign persons, or international terrorist activities is the definition of:

A) Covert activity
B) Counterintelligence
C) Decision advantage
D) Disinformation

Answer 1

B

Question 2

On which of the following countries does the U.S. most likely not spy?

A) Israel
B) New Zealand
C) Mexico
D) France

Answer 2

B

Question 3

An organization that looks closely at itself to ensure that sensitive information is not compromised conducts:

A) A defensive operation
B) An offensive operation
C) Counterintelligence
D) Disinformation

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an activity of offensive counterintelligence?

A) Neutralizing spies
B) Learning about internal operations of an adversary
C) Feeding false information
D) Classifying information

Question 5

Why did Congress create the Classified Information Procedures Act?

A) Prior to the act's passage, accused persons would plead guilty to escape the death penalty
B) To prohibit defendants from demanding that the government release classified information in open court
C) To protect the accused person's right at trial to see any classified information used against them.
D) None of the above

Question 6

Counterintelligence plays a minor role in establishing Decision Advantage because knowing about an adversary is the critical issue.

Question 7

Over the years, a few spies, like Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, have infiltrated the U.S. intelligence community but they have done little damage.

Question 8

What is the difference between an asset and an informant?

Question 9

List and describe the three levels of classified information. What distinguishes each level?

Question 10

What is the difference between a right to know and a need to know?

Question 11

Explain how someone obtains a security clearance. Specifically, what does the government evaluate regarding its applicants? Why?

Question 12

Explain the false flag technique.

Question 13

The DNI maintains that U.S. agencies have a "responsibility to provide" information to each other. Do you think this standard is difficult for agencies to implement? Why or why not? Include reasons listed in the text as well as some of your own.

Question 14

Discuss your opinions regarding the use of polygraphs by intelligence agencies towards potential employees. Research has shown that polygraphs are not always accurate, and courts often do not allow them to be introduced as evidence. In light of these facts, should the intelligence community continue to polygraph current and potential employees? If not, what alternatives do you suggest? Defend your answers with evidence from the text and class discussion.

Question 15

Why might an intelligence agency want to spread disinformation to an adversary? Give an example of when such actions might benefit the country doing it.

Question 16

Some individuals classify Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning as whistleblowers who have done a great deal of good by exposing America's secrets. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Question 17

At one time, any use of illegal drugs was enough to prevent a person from obtaining a security clearance. That has changed over the years for many agencies, to include the FBI and CIA. Do you think social, recreational use of marijuana in states where it is legal should prevent someone from obtaining a security clearance? Why or why not?