The Cold War the world of espionage
During the Cold War the world of espionage (intelligence collection and analysis) was transformed by technology, from wiretapping to satellites, as basic human intelligence (HUMINT) was accentuated by information gathered through signal intelligence (SIGINT) and imagery intelligence (IMINT). Cyber represents the latest technological frontier in the world of espionage. Based on Part I of Buchanan’s The Hacker and the State, what would you conclude are the most important ways in which cyber has impacted the world of espionage?
Sample Answer
Cyber has impacted the world of espionage in a number of important ways, including:
- Increased access to intelligence. Cyber has made it possible to collect intelligence on a scale that was never before possible. Hackers can now access computer systems and networks all over the world, giving them access to a vast amount of data. This includes government secrets, corporate secrets, and personal information.
- Reduced costs of espionage. Cyber has made espionage much cheaper. Hackers can now carry out attacks from anywhere in the world, using relatively inexpensive equipment. This has made espionage more accessible to a wider range of actors, including states, non-state actors, and even individuals.