Counterintelligence

Counterintelligence is the set of information, policies, and actions the U.S. government uses to detect, understand, and stop foreign intelligence threats such as espionage, sabotage, and influence operations. It protects classified information, critical infrastructure, and national interests by identifying adversary attempts to steal or exploit sensitive data and by reducing vulnerabilities across government and industry.

Why it matters

Foreign intelligence services and other hostile actors seek access to government programs, defense technology, and research to gain strategic advantage. Counterintelligence professionals combine defensive measures—protecting people, systems, and information—with investigative and disruptive actions to prevent harm and deter future operations.

Your responsibilities

Everyone with access to sensitive information plays a role in counterintelligence by staying alert to unusual contacts or activities and following reporting rules. See the category article Reporting Foreign Contacts and Travel: Understanding Your Security Responsibilities for guidance on when and how to report foreign contacts and travel.

A coordinated defense

Effective counterintelligence is a coordinated, government-wide effort that mixes prevention, detection, and disruption to safeguard U.S. security and resilience against evolving threats.