3.6 Cyber Counterintelligence (CI)

Overview and Principles #

Cyber Counterintelligence (CCI) is a specialized field within counterintelligence that focuses on detecting, preventing, and neutralizing adversarial intelligence operations conducted through cyberspace. Its primary aim is to protect sensitive information, critical infrastructure, and national interests from foreign intelligence entities (FIEs), cybercriminals, and other threat actors who use digital means for espionage, sabotage, or manipulation. Focus is on protecting one’s own cyber intelligence operations from adversary detection and disruption by identifying and neutralizing adversary attempts to collect intelligence on friendly cyber capabilities and intentions.

Core Objectives of Cyber Counterintelligence #