CFA Counterintelligence Awareness & Threat Recognition 2

Question 1

What is 'tradecraft' in the context of intelligence and counterintelligence operations?

Accepted Answer

The skills, techniques, and procedures used by intelligence professionals in the field

Answer

Tradecraft encompasses the practical skills, operational techniques, and methodologies — such as surveillance, dead drops, and cover management — that intelligence officers use to conduct and protect their operations.

Question 2

Which of the following is a key indicator that a foreign intelligence service (FIS) may be actively targeting an organization or individual?

Accepted Answer

Receiving unsolicited communications that probe for sensitive organizational details

Answer

Unsolicited contacts — whether by email, phone, or in person — that probe for sensitive information about personnel, capabilities, or operations are a classic FIS targeting technique.

Question 3

In counterintelligence, what does a 'damage assessment' evaluate following a confirmed security compromise?

Accepted Answer

The scope of classified information exposed and the potential harm to sources, methods, and operations

Answer

A damage assessment determines what classified information was exposed, who may have received it, and what the operational impact may be — including threats to sources, ongoing operations, and national security.

Question 4

What is the counterintelligence purpose of a 'honey trap' (also known as a 'honey pot') operation?

Accepted Answer

Exploiting romantic or sexual relationships to compromise, recruit, or gather intelligence on a target

Answer

A honey trap operation uses romantic or sexual relationships — real or manufactured — to create leverage over a target, elicit sensitive information, or compromise them for recruitment purposes.

Question 5

What is an 'access agent' in the context of counterintelligence operations?

Accepted Answer

An individual used to introduce an intelligence officer or recruit to a targeted individual without revealing true intent

Answer

An access agent provides an introduction or connection to a target of interest, enabling intelligence contact to be made under a benign pretext that conceals the true intelligence purpose of the relationship.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Counterintelligence Awareness & Threat Recognition 2