State Secrets Information Warfare The New Frontline
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Nov 24, 2025 Mike Driscoll, a former NSA executive, dives into the future of information warfare and the importance of winning the cognitive domain. He discusses the evolution of SIGINT since 9/11 and warns about over-reliance on it. The conversation shifts to the power of OSINT, especially with AI, in validating intelligence. Driscoll emphasizes the need for faster decision-making and policy changes to combat disinformation. He also covers lessons learned from Israel's recent conflicts and the critical role of education in enhancing public resilience against false narratives.
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SIGINT's Rise And Its Blind Spots
- NSA's SIGINT role became revolutionary and dominated battlefield intelligence for decades.
- Mike Driscoll warns this produced over-reliance that sometimes displaced other crucial intelligence sources.
OSINT + AI Can Offset SIGINT Limits
- OSINT and publicly available information now offer a corrective to SIGINT over-reliance.
- Driscoll believes AI makes OSINT trustworthy enough for indications, warnings, and operational use.
Forward Presence Built Operational Clarity
- Driscoll credits forward deployments and face-to-face relationships for mission success.
- He says being embedded with customers helped him translate needs and speed decisions in the field.