Intelligence & Security issues
Intelligence & Security issues
Security is a major concern for any nation. In fact, insecurity affects the development national development due to social unrest. As such, there is a need for central governments to make the most out of the intelligence gathered to secure the citizens’ safety. With this in mind, it is worth acknowledging the fact that intelligence plays a key role in the defense sector. Precisely, the process involving information sharing and dissemination from primary sources, to its analysis and finally utilization determines the safety of a nation. The United States federal government has made numerous advancements in strengthening the overall information network between the general public, the federal and state governments, and the private sectors. These initiatives have been implemented to enhance the nation’s ability to counter terrorist attacks and any other forms of criminal activities that need to be neutralized. This paper evaluates the intelligence and security issues associated with information sharing.
Primarily, intelligence agencies gather information on long term and immediate security threats. According to Intelligence and national security, nearly 60 percent of the intelligence gathered by the private sectors in 2012 was centered on security threats (Clark, 2013). Precisely, the intelligence was principally centered on the identification of individuals and parties indulged in terrorism activities. Multiple channels were used as sources of information to facilitate the realization of the security goals. For starters, human beings were interrogated on probable security flaws and were prompted to give their contributions on such issues. This initiative creates enhances the credibility of information gathered from other sources. In some situations, electronic signals were intercepted to counter the transfer of terrorism-related information. Johnson (2010) argues that the federal government has the right to request for mobile communication databases when the nation faces a security threat. This is a strategic initiative intentioned to counter the dissemination of intelligence that may span security threats.
Aside from that, agencies gather intelligence on the effectiveness of security measures employed by the central government regarding combating insecurity. George and Kline (2006) report that security agencies focus on the establishment of the effectiveness of some security measures to enhance their influence. For starters, homeland security collects intelligence on initiatives implemented by the federal government about combating insecurity. This is done through the evaluation of remarks collected from the public and practical statistics from the analysis of the entire security measures. For starters, tactical flaws can be established, and a remedy is created to strengthen the efficiency of the policies. Satellite information is utilized in the determination of information security threats. Once these data is gathered, evaluation and analysis are conducted to form credible initiatives to deal with the security threats. If such actions are not taken, nations risk terrorist attacks.
Impact of information security issues
It is worth mentioning that when intelligence channels are jeopardized, there are major drawbacks to security. According to Johnson (2010), inefficient communication channels in the collection of intelligence affects the federal government’s ability to counter security threats like terrorism. In simple terms, to have a reliable intelligence network is a form of precaution and an assurance of the maintenance of proper security. There are three entities responsible for conveying information intelligence. Precisely, the federal government which provides autonomous information from protected channels, the public and privately established organizations. As such, their consolidation is essential in the overall intelligence gathering and analysis process. Clark (2007) argues that the federal government cannot succeed in ensuring the safety of the citizens when it works solely. As such, it is essential to join its ventures with the contribution of the public and private sectors to enhance its performance.
In cases of insufficient intelligence, law enforcement agencies find it challenging to implement policies. This is largely accredited to the fact that security organizations cannot provide insight to the law enforcers on how to dispense the authority. According to George and Kline (2006), intelligence helps security agencies to combat terrorism-related threats through the implementation of countermeasures to deal with the incidences before they occur. Precisely, the relevance of the entire communication channel is inhibiting the occurrence of terrorism-related threats. When this channel is flawed, dealing with such threats is nearly impossible due to the lack of strategies aimed at countering the development of threats. The collection, analysis, reevaluation and dissemination processes are greatly affected. As such, it is essential to capitalize on the development of proper communication channels since lack thereof jeopardizes the efficiency of the security systems thus exposing citizens to insecurity.
Current policies mitigating security threats
In response to the threats posed by intelligence insecurities, the federal government has initiated some alternatives to facilitate the betterment of the situation. For starters, it has enacted major statutory laws to facilitate intelligence sharing between agencies. These provisions enhance the dissemination of information between organizations thereby enhancing the performance of the entire security system. Additionally, the Congress and the federal government have initiated some laws aimed at enhancing the communication channels between the states, local entities, the private sector and the federal government. When these entities work jointly, they are in a better position to neutralize the security threats posed on the nation as a result of information insecurity. Additionally, the federal government has created partnerships, new organizations, and systems aimed at bettering the information sharing process. Its involvement in the betterment of the intelligence channel makes one appreciate the essence of joint ventures among the parties responsible for the maintenance of security. The concepts associated with intelligence sharing have become a crucial aspect of the welfare of nations.
In conclusion, intelligence is an essential aspect in the maintenance of security within any nation. It enables the central government to enforce initiatives aimed at combating the development of probable security risks in cases of terrorist attacks. Additionally, it enables private sectors to assess the performance of the governing bodies regarding policing. In case the initiatives implemented are ineffective, these organizations provide feedback on the flaws of the measures that have been taken alongside the most influential alternatives. As such, it is undeniable that information security should be maintained and proper communication channels ought to be established to enhance the success of the defense sector. This is largely accredited to the fact that threats to intelligence pose a significant risk to the implementation of policy within a nation. Additionally, when the government does not act responsibly regarding the threats posed by inadequate intelligence, it exposes itself to terrorism and jeopardizes the safety of its citizens. The United States government has been resourceful in ensuring proper communication channels are upheld in during the collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence. Without a doubt, security intelligence issues associated with information sharing pose a significant threat to the welfare of a nation.
References
Clark, J. (2013). Intelligence and national security. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Security International.
George, R., & Kline, R. (2006). Intelligence and the national security strategist. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield.
Johnson, L. (2010). The Oxford handbook of national security intelligence. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Johnson, L., & Wirtz, J. (2008). Intelligence and national security. New York: Oxford University Press.
