Excerpted from the ENN Daily Report - 12/09/06 - Vol. 2, No. 344
Warning; Internet Used by Foreign Intelligence Operatives
By: C. L. Staten, Senior Analyst
(ENN) Chicago, IL -- According to reports from the Defense Investigative Service, the Internet is one of the fastest
growing areas of intelligence gathering by foreign governments and potential enemies of the United States and her allies. It
is believed that foreign entities are making extensive use of the "net" in an attempt to both gather military and commercial
information, as well as to spread disinformation.
Particularly from Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern regions, numerous contacts have reportedly been
made via the Internet to American defense contractors, software producers, and related industries...all asking for
"proprietary or sensitive" information. Often these contacts suggest unsolicited offers to act as sales agents, consultants, or
representatives in other countries. Others suggest that the writer is working for a "friendly" foreign government or military
agency.
Another ploy involves asking for product information, schematics, blueprints, or other proprietary information about the
targeted companies or their products. Free samples of software and/or actual working models are also often requested.
A third subterfuge involves using e-mail to engage in "social engineering" with company employees and attempting to
establish friendships with employees, which could prove beneficial to more traditional espionage methods.
ERRI is currently working on a more thorough report in regard to this burgeoning threat and can be expected to present a
detailed examination of this important issue within the next few weeks. We would welcome commentary in regard to the
extent of this problem. In the mean time, we strongly urge military and defense industry officials to review their
Operational/Internal Security plans and be constantly aware of these attempted intrusions.
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