Darknet Diaries 75: Compromised Comms
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Sep 29, 2020 Jenna McLaughlin, a national security and investigations reporter for Yahoo News, and Zach Dorfman of the Aspen Institute, delve into a chilling period when the CIA's communications were compromised from 2009 to 2013. They discuss the devastating impact on intelligence operations and the tragic loss of agents due to a breach involving an Iranian double agent. The conversation sheds light on the vulnerabilities of communication systems, the need for secure methods in intelligence, and the bureaucratic hurdles whistleblowers face in raising alarms.
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The Aldrich Ames Case
- Aldrich Ames, a CIA officer, sold secrets to the Soviets, earning millions.
- His lavish spending exposed him, leading to his life imprisonment.
CIA Spying in Iran
- The CIA uses covert communication methods due to the hostile relationship with Iran.
- Direct spying is difficult, requiring agents to operate undercover.
Secret Communication Channels
- The CIA used disguised websites for covert communication with assets.
- These websites, like yoga or book forums, masked the true purpose.