SIGINT for Anyone: The Growing Availability of Signals Intelligence in the Public Domain

Abstract

This Perspective examines and challenges the assumption that signals intelligence (SIGINT) is an inherently governmental function by revealing nongovernmental approaches and technologies that allow private citizens to conduct SIGINT activities. We explore four technology areas where nongovernmental SIGINT is flourishing: maritime domain awareness; radiofrequency spectrum mapping; eavesdropping, jamming, and hijacking of satellite systems; and cyber surveillance. We then provide areas where further research and debate is needed to create legal, regulatory, policy, process, and human capital solutions to the challenges these new capabilities provide to government.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2017
Accession Number
AD1084805

Entities

People

  • Bruce Mcclintock
  • Cortney Weinbaum
  • Steven Berner

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Automatic Identification Systems
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Commerce
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Identification Systems
  • Law
  • Mobile Phones
  • National Security
  • Radio Frequency
  • Signals Intelligence
  • Surveillance
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Economics
  • Geospatial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence Analytics
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Space