Category: Secrecy first
About secrecy-first
Intelligence agencies have “Secrecy first” as their highest priority, above achieving the mission and even above safety. Inevitably it means that, for some things, their behaviour is different to almost everyone else. The preoccupation with secrecy also effects individuals.
It raises ethical questions, as well as changing the concept of “professionalism”. It’s also a good topic for use in fiction.
Stories and commentary
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An agency man – a story of an ex intelligence officer in industry
Ex intelligence officers face many challenges adjusting to civilian life. This is a 4 page story to illustrate the transition, and the challenge of hiding their background.
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“The 4 Seasons” story – elevator pitch example
Radha reread her resignation letter. It was a huge step. The Agency had been her home, and her dream.
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Rage – an intimidation case
“Intimidation case.” Hans listened to the man in the red shirt. The man in the red shirt inspected Hans’s mobile then powered it off. “Secrecy first,” he said.
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Obsessive secrecy in intelligence agencies – the dangers
Obsessive secrecy dominates the work of intelligence agencies as well as some areas of commercial intelligence. Obsessive secrecy is an ethical challenge.
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The price of secrecy-first – a 2½-page story
Mikael’s secrecy-first speech was cut short by the minister. ‘Tell me more about this cyber-attack. Are they really intending to cripple our railway network?’