Foreign intelligence entities attempt to collect information about a wide range of sensitive and strategic topics to advance their national interests. Their targets and the types of information sought include:
- National defense and security information : This includes classified and unclassified defense plans, technologies, activities, operations, personnel information, and security weaknesses at cleared facilities
- Political and economic policymaking : Intelligence on foreign, domestic, and security policymaking, including preparation of political positions, is a primary target. This may cover issues such as Arctic region policies and cybersecurity
- Business research and development (R &D): Foreign entities target businesses developing high-tech products, traditional sectors, and research institutes involved in industrial R&D to reduce technological leads of other countries
- Critical infrastructure details : Information about the structure, security arrangements, and operation of critical infrastructure like energy supplies, telecommunications, and water utilities is sought to potentially influence or disrupt these systems
- Indirect intelligence useful for accessing confidential data : This includes staff contact details, collaboration networks, subcontracting chains, data access credentials, and IT security arrangements
- Personally identifiable information (PII) : Data such as biometric, genomic, health care, geolocation, financial transactions, political affiliations, and personal interests are valuable for economic, R&D, and counterintelligence purposes, including blackmail or exploitation of individuals
- Information on individuals : Foreign intelligence targets individuals who have access to sensitive information, including government employees, contractors, scientists, engineers, IT personnel, business development staff, and even facility support personnel
- Methods of collection : These include elicitation (subtle extraction of information via conversation), unsolicited requests for information, foreign visits, academic solicitation, cyber activities, and open-source intelligence gathering
- Restrictions on targeting : Under laws like the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702, targeting is limited to non-U.S. persons reasonably believed to be outside the United States, and collection must not be aimed at U.S. persons or those within the U.S.
In summary, foreign intelligence entities seek comprehensive information spanning defense, policy, technology, infrastructure, economic data, and personal information to gain strategic advantages, influence policymaking, and potentially disrupt critical systems
