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Guide for Department of Justice Employees on the Threat From Hostile Intelligence Services

NCJ Number
105809
Date Published
1986
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This booklet on security awareness for U.S. Justice Department employees examines the targets and strategies of hostile intelligence services.
Abstract
Espionage is the illegal gathering, through clandestine means, of information or material affecting national security. To protect the national security from damage caused by disclosure of sensitive, strategic information, the U.S. Government has devised a system for classifying materials and information. Several recent espionage cases illustrate the damage that can be done by the disclosure of classified information. The major strategy for espionage is the placement or recruitment of an agent in a sensitive position in the opposing government. To do this, they may appeal to financial considerations or greed, resort to blackmail, or threaten family members. Recruitment also may involve an appeal to national pride, exploitation of an emotional involvement, ideological arguments, or exploitation of naivete. Many espionage cases have involved individuals seeking revenge or who were dissatisfied with their jobs. Sound security procedures and an awareness of the threat are the best countermeasures.