Counterintelligence and Foreign Intelligence Threats Flashcards

Under 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), to which organization must a cleared contractor report suspicious contacts?

Answer: The cognizant security agency (DCSA)

NISPOM requires contractors to report suspicious contacts to their cognizant security agency, which for most DoD contractors is DCSA.

Which federal agency has primary responsibility for counterintelligence investigations inside the United States?

Answer: Federal Bureau of Investigation

The FBI leads domestic counterintelligence investigations, while the CIA's focus is abroad.

What is the typical first phase of the foreign intelligence recruitment cycle?

Answer: Spotting and assessing potential targets

Intelligence officers first spot and assess people with access and exploitable vulnerabilities before developing and recruiting them.

Under SEAD 3, when must a covered individual report planned unofficial foreign travel?

Answer: Before travel, submitting the itinerary to the security office

SEAD 3 requires unofficial foreign travel to be reported and approved before departure, with deviations reported on return.

An engineer at a conference is flattered by a stranger who then asks them to 'just confirm' a detail about their classified project. This technique is best described as:

Answer: Elicitation

Elicitation draws out protected information through casual, non-threatening conversation, often using flattery.

How does the National Insider Threat Task Force define an insider threat?

Answer: A person who uses authorized access, wittingly or unwittingly, to harm U.S. national security

An insider threat is someone with authorized access who uses it, wittingly or unwittingly, to cause harm to national security.

According to EO 12333, counterintelligence includes information gathered and activities conducted to:

Answer: Identify, deceive, exploit, disrupt, or protect against espionage and other intelligence activities by foreign powers

EO 12333 defines CI as activities to identify, deceive, exploit, disrupt, or protect against foreign intelligence activities, sabotage, and assassinations.