MI5 has a branch dedicated to countering espionage and cyber threats. And the theft of classified technologies could enable foreign companies to copy them, threatening both national security and jobs in the UK.Ĭountering this threat is therefore a key priority for MI5. Information on key services such as gas, oil and transport could enable terrorists to seriously damage these important economic targets. For instance, other countries are seeking technical details of weapons systems so that they can find ways of neutralising our military advantages. If this information is obtained by those with no right to access it, serious damage can be caused. Its sensitivity makes it necessary for us to protect it but also makes it attractive to spies. Classified information is kept secret in the first place because its disclosure might harm national security, jeopardise the country's economic well-being or damage international relations. In fact, it often helps us to build good relationships with other nations.Įspionage focuses on gathering non-public information through covert means. This type of work is not harmful to our national interests. Foreign representatives thereby help their governments to shape their foreign, commercial and military policies. This enables them to monitor political, economic and military developments in their host country and brief their own governments. They use open sources such as the media, conferences, diplomatic events and trade fairs, and through open contact with host government representatives. The gathering of publicly available information is a routine activity of diplomatic staff, military attachés and trade delegations. lt may also involve seeking to influence decision-makers and opinion-formers to benefit the interests of a foreign power. This is not the same as espionage.Įspionage is the process of obtaining information that is not normally publicly available, using human sources (agents) or technical means (like hacking into computer systems). Most governments rely on a range of information being gathered to guide their decisions. Espionage against UK interests still continues and is potentially very damaging.

The threat of espionage (spying) did not end with the collapse of Soviet communism in the early 1990s.

Espionage definition history