Heading 1: Meet Michael Casey, Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center
Michael Casey, now leading the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, was recently pictured alongside U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Timothy Haugh during a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing in July 2023. The image credit goes to Alex Wong/Getty Images.
Heading 2: The Role of Michael Casey in American Counterintelligence
In his role as the head of American counterintelligence, Mike Casey confronts the daily reality of foreign spying activities, cyberattacks, and economic espionage targeting the United States. Casey, who transitioned to this position last year following over twenty years of service in Congress, describes the scale of these threats as both impressive and terrifying.
Casey mentions that Beijing has analyzed American history and determined that the U.S. attained greatness by contributing to shaping the global system post-World War II and the accompanying governing principles. According to Casey, Beijing aims to surpass the United States in crucial technologies, both military and civilian, and play a pivotal role in establishing international regulations, with the goal of becoming the leading player on the global stage.
China’s Approach to Espionage in the U.S.
China’s intelligence officers in the U.S. operate differently based on a specific interpretation. According to Casey, it’s more about sophisticated hacking operations or hiring scientists than traditional break-ins.
For instance, a recent case involved a former Google engineer, a Chinese national, who allegedly stole vital components of the company’s AI technology while working for two Chinese technology firms concurrently.
This incident is part of China’s ongoing efforts to pilfer American trade secrets, cutting-edge research, technology, and intellectual property, as per American officials.
American officials and lawmakers have been actively engaging with businesses and universities to raise awareness about China’s persistent attempts to target them.
Casey notes a significant shift in the conversation over the past five years. Initially skeptical, individuals are now more concerned about practical steps to address the threat posed by China.
Russia’s Growing Threat Concern
Aside from China, Russia is also a prominent concern, with a focus on the English language and the keyphrase “growing list threats focus.”
The Growing List of Threats: Contrasting Russia and China
Unlike China, the Kremlin poses a distinct threat. Moscow’s focus is not on targeting U.S. economic secrets, unlike Beijing.
According to Casey, the extent of this threat differs significantly. Russia primarily concentrates on government and military secrets.
In 2018, the Trump administration took action by expelling 60 Russian diplomats identified as intelligence officers. This response followed a nerve agent attack in the UK on a retired Russian intelligence officer.
When questioned about Russia’s intelligence operations in the U.S. post-expulsion, Casey cautiously acknowledged some level of rebuilding.
The Growing List of Threats: A Counterintelligence Perspective
“Our belief is that they have successfully reconstructed some stability,” he stated, emphasizing the evolving landscape of threats.
While China and Russia remain prominent concerns for Casey, a recent case from the Justice Department highlighted the significance of not underestimating smaller nations. Victor Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. ambassador, was apprehended and charged with espionage for Cuba.
Rocha has since admitted guilt. The revelation that a former ambassador engaged in espionage was alarming, compounded by the fact that Rocha operated undetected for four decades.
The extent of this counterintelligence failure raises questions: How significant was it?
“Undoubtedly substantial,” Casey acknowledges. “However, the full extent remains unknown until a thorough damage assessment is conducted. The intelligence community will meticulously evaluate the compromised information and its repercussions, acknowledging a lapse in our vigilance.”
Rocha’s espionage activities predate Casey’s tenure, underscoring a critical aspect of counterintelligence emphasized by Casey: the ever-present need to remain vigilant and avoid complacency.
“As counterintelligence operatives, vigilance is ingrained in our work,” Casey asserts. “Maintaining a level of healthy skepticism is essential.”
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