Snowden Leaks Reveal Black Budget of US Spy Networks

Snowden Leaks Reveal Black Budget of US Spy Networks

Ever heard of the United States’ “black budget?” Honestly, I hadn’t until former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden decided to go public with all kinds of “secretive” government information. The Washington Post actually got a copy of this 178-page, $52.6 billion “black budget” for the fiscal 2013 that details the objectives, success and failures of 16 spy agencies with a total of approximately 107,035 employees.

To put this “black budget” into perspective, if all 107,035 employees were paid the exact same salary from this $52.6 billion, each employee would bring in an approximate yearly salary of $491,428 and some change. Now, in my opinion, that’s big “bucks” for some meniscal returns on investment!

You see, since the September 11th incident of 2001, U.S. spy agencies have not really been able to provide earth-shattering information to combat the range of security threats that the U.S. faces, according to this top secret budget. But, what this budget does describe is cutting-edge technologies, like weapons of mass destruction, agent recruiting and ongoing operations, like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and cyberwarefare.

Although The Washington Post must withhold some of the budget’s information, due to sensitive details that could give foreign intelligence insight into the U.S.’s priorities, sources and methods, some notable revelations were found:

  • The CIA requested a $14.7 billion budget for 2013, more than another other spy agency;
  • The CIA and NSA plan to aggressively hack into foreign computer networks to steal information and/or sabotage enemy systems;
  • Pakistan is described as an “intractable target;”
  • Counterintelligence operations “are strategically focused against China, Russia, Iran, Cuba and Israel;”
  • NSA plans to investigate at least 4,000 possible insider threats in 2013;
  • Intelligence agencies are fixed on terrorism as the biggest threat to national security;
  • Iran, Russian and Chinese governments are difficult to penetrate;
  • U.S. intelligence about Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs has five “critical” gaps; and
  • North Korea’s government is the most transparent, yet the U.S. doesn’t know hardly anything about the intentions of Kim Jong Un.

As if this isn't eye opening enough, for an interactive, graphic representation of the “black budget,” click here.

Sources: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/national/black-budget/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/black-budget-summary-details-us-spy-networks-successes-failures-and-objectives/2013/08/29/7e57bb78-10ab-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities