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Social Networking Site Links Spies, Secrets
September 08, 2008 03:48 PM
Security agencies, including the FBI and CIA, will begin trading top-secret data via A-Space, a networking and information-sharing platform for the intelligence community.
Security Agents ‘Friend’ One Another
Members of the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency and 13 other American security organizations are being encouraged to use an online network that allows them to share photos, videos and top-secret information.
The program, A-Space, has been likened to social networking sites. According to Michael Wertheimer, assistant deputy director of national intelligence for analysis, "It's every bit Facebook and YouTube for spies, but it’s much, much more.”
The purpose of A-Space is to allow agents to examine all of the possible information related to an investigation or case. According to CNN, “Missing crucial data can have enormous implications, such as an FBI agent who sent an e-mail before September 11, 2001, warning of people learning to fly airplanes but not learning to land them.”
The site, which was originally intended to open last December, will officially launch on September 22. Wertheimer explains the value of opening up communication online: "I am unable to send email, and even make secure phone calls, to a good portion of the community from my desktop because of firewalls,” he said. A-Space will make otherwise classified information accessible to the entire security community.
A-Space has been undergoing tests for months. Obviously, security is a major concern. Information on the site will be accessible to intelligence personnel with proper security clearance to enter and examine specific, relevant information.
Unlike Facebook and MySpace, which are typically geared toward younger audiences, A-Space has had no difficulty appealing to more mature users. “We have found that participation in A-Space crosses every conceivable age line and experience line. People are excited, no matter what age group,” Wertheimer said.
The program, A-Space, has been likened to social networking sites. According to Michael Wertheimer, assistant deputy director of national intelligence for analysis, "It's every bit Facebook and YouTube for spies, but it’s much, much more.”
The purpose of A-Space is to allow agents to examine all of the possible information related to an investigation or case. According to CNN, “Missing crucial data can have enormous implications, such as an FBI agent who sent an e-mail before September 11, 2001, warning of people learning to fly airplanes but not learning to land them.”
The site, which was originally intended to open last December, will officially launch on September 22. Wertheimer explains the value of opening up communication online: "I am unable to send email, and even make secure phone calls, to a good portion of the community from my desktop because of firewalls,” he said. A-Space will make otherwise classified information accessible to the entire security community.
A-Space has been undergoing tests for months. Obviously, security is a major concern. Information on the site will be accessible to intelligence personnel with proper security clearance to enter and examine specific, relevant information.
Unlike Facebook and MySpace, which are typically geared toward younger audiences, A-Space has had no difficulty appealing to more mature users. “We have found that participation in A-Space crosses every conceivable age line and experience line. People are excited, no matter what age group,” Wertheimer said.
Related: CIA Networking Initiatives
The CIA recognized the potential value of social networking sites in 2006 when it began recruiting candidates for the agency on Facebook. According to a Wired magazine report, “The CIA's Facebook page (login required) provides an overview of what the NCS (National Clandestine Service) is looking for in a recruit, along with a 30-second promotional YouTube video aimed at potential college-aged applicants. U.S. citizens with a GPA above 3.0 can apply.”
Source: Wired
In April 2007, Dr. D. Calvin Andrus, the CIA’s Directorate of Support, published an article examining the need for fast information sharing and networking in modern intelligence. He called for the implementation of an online information sharing system called SIPRNet—a platform similar to A-Space. According to Dr. Andrus, “Our national security is best protected when we operate more quickly than those who would do harm to our people and our freedom. This compressed response time allows us to disrupt, interdict, preempt, and respond to injurious efforts before our adversaries can achieve their goals against us.” To facilitate such rapid responses, Dr. Andrus addresses the sharing function of wikis and blogs.
Source: CIA.gov
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