From 2009 to 2013 the communication channels the CIA uses to contact assets in foreign countries was compromised. This had terrifying consequences.Guests this episodes are Jenna McLaughlin and Zach Dorfman.SponsorsThis episode was sponsored by IT Pro TV. Get 65 hours of free training by visiting ITPro.tv/darknet. And use promo code DARKNET25.This episode was sponsored by Thinkst Canary. Their canaries attract malicious actors in your network and then send you an alert if someone tries to access them. Great early warning system for knowing when someone is snooping around where they shouldn’t be. Check them out at https://canary.tools.View all active sponsors.Sources https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cias-communications-suffered-catastrophic-compromise-started-iran-090018710.html Video: Fostering Bipartisanship in Intelligence Oversight CNAS2019 https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/article28348576.html https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/08/15/botched-cia-communications-system-helped-blow-cover-chinese-agents-intelligence/ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/asia/china-cia-spies-espionage.html https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/17/world/asia/jerry-lee-cia-china-mole-hunt-suspect.html https://news.yahoo.com/cia-fix-communications-system-left-trail-dead-agents-remains-elusive-100046908.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1988/03/21/cuban-defector-impeaches-cia-spies/10cec17c-076b-4867-96c5-628b8435a852/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldrich_Ames AttributionDarknet Diaries is created by Jack Rhysider.Research assistance this episode from Yael Grauer.

Zach Dorfman, a national security journalist renowned for his insights into intelligence, dives into the life of a covert CIA operative known only by his alias. He uncovers the enigmatic death of Anthony Lagunas, raising questions about the emotional toll on spies post-9/11. The podcast explores the intense mental strain of infiltrating extremist groups and highlights the ethical dilemmas operatives face. Dorfman also discusses the evolving landscape of espionage and the necessary cultural understanding to combat terrorism effectively.

Zach Dorfman, a journalist specializing in intelligence and national security, dives into the CIA's covert operations post-9/11. He reveals a chilling plan to use a white American man as an undercover agent in Al-Qaeda, examining the agency’s transformative shift towards counterterrorism. The discussion touches on ethical dilemmas, the psychological toll on agents, and the broader implications of such espionage tactics. Dorfman highlights the complexities of navigating a false identity while wrestling with the intense demands of national security.