#CIA #FBI #Counterintelligence
Counterintelligence SECURE Act
GS – AI Overview: The SECURE Act (part of the FY2026 Intelligence Authorization Act) is a major counterintelligence (CI) reform proposed by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to overhaul U.S. CI strategy from passive protection to a proactive, “offensive” posture. It aims to deter, investigate, and disrupt foreign intelligence threats. [1, 2]
Key Aspects of the SECURE Act (2025-2026):Redefining Counterintelligence: The act redefines CI in federal law to emphasize proactive, offensive operations that “deter, disrupt, investigate, and exploit” foreign intelligence operations, rather than just protecting against them.
Unified Strategy: It establishes a centralized system for the Intelligence Community (IC) to store and access information on foreign intelligence threats.
Offensive Capabilities: It sets new doctrine, training, and certification standards for offensive counterintelligence activities.
Strengthening Partnerships: The legislation mandates improved international partner engagement for information sharing and joint operations.
Technological Protection: It includes provisions to safeguard technological advantages and protect intellectual property from foreign adversaries.
Security Upgrades: The act authorizes a new polygraph program for CI purposes and sets standards for damage assessments. [1, 2, 3, 4]This legislation was advanced in response to warnings of “9/11-scale intelligence failure” risks, aimed at curbing the ability of adversaries to operate with impunity in the United States. [1, 4]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[2] thehill.com/opinion/national…
[3] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[4] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…–
The SECURE Act empowers US counterintelligence
x.com/mikenov/status/2040412…
Permissive US landscape: x.com/mikenov/status/2040401…Michael Novakhov (@mikenov)Legislative Reform: #Congress is debating the #SECUREAct, a major #counterintelligence reform effort – Google Search google.com/search?q=Legislat…
Pic.: The SECURE Act empowers US counterintelligence to go on offense
thehill.com/opinion/national…
AI Mode: x.com/mikenov/status/2040404…
AI Overview
As of late 2025, Congress is advancing the Strategic Enhancement of Counterintelligence and Unifying Reform Efforts Act—or the SECURE Act—as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 5167). [1, 2]
This legislation represents a major overhaul aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. counterintelligence (CI) system, shifting it from a reactive, law-enforcement-centric model to a more proactive, offensive posture. [3, 4, 5]
Key Aspects of the SECURE Act (119th Congress, 2025-2026):Redefining Counterintelligence: The Act amends the National Security Act of 1947 to expand the definition of counterintelligence, allowing agencies to not only “protect against” but also “deter, disrupt, investigate, exploit” foreign intelligence operations.
National Counterintelligence Center: The legislation establishes a new National Counterintelligence Center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), headed by a Senate-confirmed Director who will serve as the principal advisor to the President on CI matters.
Proactive Capabilities: The proposed reforms aim to utilize deception techniques to neutralize foreign spies and counter intelligence threats from nation-states, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Congressional Transparency: The House Intelligence Committee has included provisions requiring the FBI to notify Congress when it initiates a counterintelligence investigation into a candidate for or holder of federal office.
Modernization & AI: The act aims to speed up the usage of artificial intelligence in the Intelligence Community (IC) and strengthen cyber requirements for vendors. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]Context and Status:House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford developed the legislation in response to reports of a permissive US landscape allowing foreign spies to operate with impunity. The House and Senate have been navigating the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2026 through the committee process in late 2025, with experts calling for rapid implementation to avoid a 9/11-scale intelligence failure. [2, 4, 8]
Note: The SECURE Act discussed in the context of counterintelligence reform (H.R. 5167) is distinct from the 2019/2022 “SECURE Act” retirement legislation that has updates taking effect in 2026. [9]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[2] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[3] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[4] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[5] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[6] warner.senate.gov/public/ind…
[7] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[8] intelligence.senate.gov/2025…
[9] fidelity.com/learning-center…— https://x.com/mikenov/status/2040412229372100665— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
Month: April 2026
Counterintelligence SECURE Act – Google Search google.com/search?q=Counteri…
The SECURE Act (part of the FY2026 Intelligence Authorization Act) is a major counterintelligence (CI) reform proposed by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to overhaul U.S. CI strategy from passive protection to a proactive, “offensive” posture. It aims to deter, investigate, and disrupt foreign intelligence threats. [1, 2]
Key Aspects of the SECURE Act (2025-2026):Redefining Counterintelligence: The act redefines CI in federal law to emphasize proactive, offensive operations that “deter, disrupt, investigate, and exploit” foreign intelligence operations, rather than just protecting against them.
Unified Strategy: It establishes a centralized system for the Intelligence Community (IC) to store and access information on foreign intelligence threats.
Offensive Capabilities: It sets new doctrine, training, and certification standards for offensive counterintelligence activities.
Strengthening Partnerships: The legislation mandates improved international partner engagement for information sharing and joint operations.
Technological Protection: It includes provisions to safeguard technological advantages and protect intellectual property from foreign adversaries.
Security Upgrades: The act authorizes a new polygraph program for CI purposes and sets standards for damage assessments. [1, 2, 3, 4]This legislation was advanced in response to warnings of “9/11-scale intelligence failure” risks, aimed at curbing the ability of adversaries to operate with impunity in the United States. [1, 4]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[2] thehill.com/opinion/national…
[3] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[4] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
#CIA #FBI #Counterintelligence
Counterintelligence SECURE Act
x.com/mikenov/status/2040412…Michael Novakhov (@mikenov)Legislative Reform: #Congress is debating the #SECUREAct, a major #counterintelligence reform effort – Google Search google.com/search?q=Legislat…
Pic.: The SECURE Act empowers US counterintelligence to go on offense
thehill.com/opinion/national…
AI Mode: x.com/mikenov/status/2040404…
AI Overview
As of late 2025, Congress is advancing the Strategic Enhancement of Counterintelligence and Unifying Reform Efforts Act—or the SECURE Act—as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 5167). [1, 2]
This legislation represents a major overhaul aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. counterintelligence (CI) system, shifting it from a reactive, law-enforcement-centric model to a more proactive, offensive posture. [3, 4, 5]
Key Aspects of the SECURE Act (119th Congress, 2025-2026):Redefining Counterintelligence: The Act amends the National Security Act of 1947 to expand the definition of counterintelligence, allowing agencies to not only “protect against” but also “deter, disrupt, investigate, exploit” foreign intelligence operations.
National Counterintelligence Center: The legislation establishes a new National Counterintelligence Center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), headed by a Senate-confirmed Director who will serve as the principal advisor to the President on CI matters.
Proactive Capabilities: The proposed reforms aim to utilize deception techniques to neutralize foreign spies and counter intelligence threats from nation-states, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Congressional Transparency: The House Intelligence Committee has included provisions requiring the FBI to notify Congress when it initiates a counterintelligence investigation into a candidate for or holder of federal office.
Modernization & AI: The act aims to speed up the usage of artificial intelligence in the Intelligence Community (IC) and strengthen cyber requirements for vendors. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]Context and Status:House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford developed the legislation in response to reports of a permissive US landscape allowing foreign spies to operate with impunity. The House and Senate have been navigating the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2026 through the committee process in late 2025, with experts calling for rapid implementation to avoid a 9/11-scale intelligence failure. [2, 4, 8]
Note: The SECURE Act discussed in the context of counterintelligence reform (H.R. 5167) is distinct from the 2019/2022 “SECURE Act” retirement legislation that has updates taking effect in 2026. [9]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[2] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[3] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[4] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[5] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[6] warner.senate.gov/public/ind…
[7] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[8] intelligence.senate.gov/2025…
[9] fidelity.com/learning-center…— https://x.com/mikenov/status/2040412229372100665— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
Legislative Reform: #Congress is debating the #SECUREAct, a major #counterintelligence reform effort – Google Search google.com/search?q=Legislat…
Pic.: The SECURE Act empowers US counterintelligence to go on offense
thehill.com/opinion/national…
AI Mode: x.com/mikenov/status/2040404…
AI Overview
As of late 2025, Congress is advancing the Strategic Enhancement of Counterintelligence and Unifying Reform Efforts Act—or the SECURE Act—as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 5167). [1, 2]
This legislation represents a major overhaul aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. counterintelligence (CI) system, shifting it from a reactive, law-enforcement-centric model to a more proactive, offensive posture. [3, 4, 5]
Key Aspects of the SECURE Act (119th Congress, 2025-2026):Redefining Counterintelligence: The Act amends the National Security Act of 1947 to expand the definition of counterintelligence, allowing agencies to not only “protect against” but also “deter, disrupt, investigate, exploit” foreign intelligence operations.
National Counterintelligence Center: The legislation establishes a new National Counterintelligence Center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), headed by a Senate-confirmed Director who will serve as the principal advisor to the President on CI matters.
Proactive Capabilities: The proposed reforms aim to utilize deception techniques to neutralize foreign spies and counter intelligence threats from nation-states, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Congressional Transparency: The House Intelligence Committee has included provisions requiring the FBI to notify Congress when it initiates a counterintelligence investigation into a candidate for or holder of federal office.
Modernization & AI: The act aims to speed up the usage of artificial intelligence in the Intelligence Community (IC) and strengthen cyber requirements for vendors. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]Context and Status:House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford developed the legislation in response to reports of a permissive US landscape allowing foreign spies to operate with impunity. The House and Senate have been navigating the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2026 through the committee process in late 2025, with experts calling for rapid implementation to avoid a 9/11-scale intelligence failure. [2, 4, 8]
Note: The SECURE Act discussed in the context of counterintelligence reform (H.R. 5167) is distinct from the 2019/2022 “SECURE Act” retirement legislation that has updates taking effect in 2026. [9]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[2] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[3] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[4] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[5] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[6] warner.senate.gov/public/ind…
[7] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[8] intelligence.senate.gov/2025…
[9] fidelity.com/learning-center…Michael Novakhov (@mikenov)Legislative Reform: Congress is debating the SECURE Act, a major counterintelligence reform effort – Google Search google.com/search?q=Legislat…— https://x.com/mikenov/status/2040404827440619899— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
#Gays
The #Nature Of #Desire, at a first glance …
x.com/Navythunder808/status/…Paul (@Navythunder808)What’s going on here? 🥰— https://x.com/Navythunder808/status/2039781494533636575— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
#Gays
The #Nature Of #Desire, at a first glance …
x.com/Navythunder808/status/…Paul (@Navythunder808)What’s going on here? 🥰— https://x.com/Navythunder808/status/2039781494533636575— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
Legislative Reform: Congress is debating the SECURE Act, a major counterintelligence reform effort – Google Search google.com/search?q=Legislat…
Pic.: The SECURE Act empowers US counterintelligence to go on offense
thehill.com/opinion/national…
AI Overview
As of late 2025, Congress is advancing the Strategic Enhancement of Counterintelligence and Unifying Reform Efforts Act—or the SECURE Act—as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 5167). [1, 2]
This legislation represents a major overhaul aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. counterintelligence (CI) system, shifting it from a reactive, law-enforcement-centric model to a more proactive, offensive posture. [3, 4, 5]
Key Aspects of the SECURE Act (119th Congress, 2025-2026):Redefining Counterintelligence: The Act amends the National Security Act of 1947 to expand the definition of counterintelligence, allowing agencies to not only “protect against” but also “deter, disrupt, investigate, exploit” foreign intelligence operations.
National Counterintelligence Center: The legislation establishes a new National Counterintelligence Center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), headed by a Senate-confirmed Director who will serve as the principal advisor to the President on CI matters.
Proactive Capabilities: The proposed reforms aim to utilize deception techniques to neutralize foreign spies and counter intelligence threats from nation-states, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Congressional Transparency: The House Intelligence Committee has included provisions requiring the FBI to notify Congress when it initiates a counterintelligence investigation into a candidate for or holder of federal office.
Modernization & AI: The act aims to speed up the usage of artificial intelligence in the Intelligence Community (IC) and strengthen cyber requirements for vendors. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]Context and Status:House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford developed the legislation in response to reports of a permissive US landscape allowing foreign spies to operate with impunity. The House and Senate have been navigating the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2026 through the committee process in late 2025, with experts calling for rapid implementation to avoid a 9/11-scale intelligence failure. [2, 4, 8]
Note: The SECURE Act discussed in the context of counterintelligence reform (H.R. 5167) is distinct from the 2019/2022 “SECURE Act” retirement legislation that has updates taking effect in 2026. [9]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[2] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[3] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[4] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[5] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[6] warner.senate.gov/public/ind…
[7] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[8] intelligence.senate.gov/2025…
[9] fidelity.com/learning-center…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
Permissive US landscape allowing foreign spies to operate with impunity – Google Search google.com/search?q=permissi…
A “permissive landscape” in the U.S. has allowed foreign spies to operate with increased impunity, prompting calls for a major counterintelligence reset. The current system is described as disjointed, with intelligence agencies needing more proactive, disruptive strategies against adversaries rather than just defensive measures. [1]
Key Aspects of the Permissive EnvironmentNeed for Proactive Defense: U.S. counterintelligence is viewed as lagging behind, needing to evolve from passive protection to actively “deter, disrupt, investigate, [and] exploit” foreign intelligence operations.
Espionage Exposure: Issues have surfaced regarding high-level security access, with reports of individuals with potential links to hostile foreign nations, or incomplete background checks, accessing sensitive information.
Data Vulnerabilities: Recent efforts to protect American data from foreign adversaries include the Justice Department’s Data Security Program (implemented April 2025), which aims to restrict access to sensitive personal data (biometric, health, financial). [1, 2, 3]Counterintelligence Challenges
Volume of Intelligence Threats: Officials report increasing weekly intelligence briefs concerning counterintelligence (CI) threats, indicating a high volume of foreign intelligence activities within the U.S..
The “Double Standard” of Spying: The US faces a challenge in defining spying, as it often condemns foreign espionage while viewing its own intelligence gathering as legitimate, making it difficult to prosecute all foreign actors.
Internal Security Risks: Some entities have been described as having major security gaps, with instances of foreign entities, particularly from nations deemed hostile, trying to infiltrate or influence U.S. organizations. [1, 2, 4]Proposed Reforms
(NCSC) is focused on a new 2024 strategy to aggressively disrupt foreign espionage and disinformation before it is implemented.Proactive Strategies: TheNational Counterintelligence and Security Center
Resetting Counterintelligence: There are proposals for a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. counterspy system to make it less disjointed and more effective. [1, 5]
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 continues to be a central, albeit debated, tool for intelligence gathering, with significant discussions on its reauthorization due to its implications for both national security and privacy. [6, 7, 8]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[2] youtube.com/watch?v=JO6vz3LD…
[3] justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-d…
[4] cjil.uchicago.edu/print-arch…
[5] japan-forward.com/new-us-cou…
[6] notus.org/congress/spy-power…
[7] fbi.gov/how-we-investigate/i…
[8] therecord.media/nsa-pick-cha…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
Legislative Reform: Congress is debating the SECURE Act, a major counterintelligence reform effort – Google Search google.com/search?q=Legislat…
As of late 2025, Congress is advancing the Strategic Enhancement of Counterintelligence and Unifying Reform Efforts Act—or the SECURE Act—as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 5167). [1, 2]
This legislation represents a major overhaul aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. counterintelligence (CI) system, shifting it from a reactive, law-enforcement-centric model to a more proactive, offensive posture. [3, 4, 5]
Key Aspects of the SECURE Act (119th Congress, 2025-2026):Redefining Counterintelligence: The Act amends the National Security Act of 1947 to expand the definition of counterintelligence, allowing agencies to not only “protect against” but also “deter, disrupt, investigate, exploit” foreign intelligence operations.
National Counterintelligence Center: The legislation establishes a new National Counterintelligence Center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), headed by a Senate-confirmed Director who will serve as the principal advisor to the President on CI matters.
Proactive Capabilities: The proposed reforms aim to utilize deception techniques to neutralize foreign spies and counter intelligence threats from nation-states, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Congressional Transparency: The House Intelligence Committee has included provisions requiring the FBI to notify Congress when it initiates a counterintelligence investigation into a candidate for or holder of federal office.
Modernization & AI: The act aims to speed up the usage of artificial intelligence in the Intelligence Community (IC) and strengthen cyber requirements for vendors. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]Context and Status:House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford developed the legislation in response to reports of a permissive US landscape allowing foreign spies to operate with impunity. The House and Senate have been navigating the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2026 through the committee process in late 2025, with experts calling for rapid implementation to avoid a 9/11-scale intelligence failure. [2, 4, 8]
Note: The SECURE Act discussed in the context of counterintelligence reform (H.R. 5167) is distinct from the 2019/2022 “SECURE Act” retirement legislation that has updates taking effect in 2026. [9]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[2] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[3] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[4] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[5] intelligence.house.gov/2025/…
[6] warner.senate.gov/public/ind…
[7] congress.gov/bill/119th-cong…
[8] intelligence.senate.gov/2025…
[9] fidelity.com/learning-center…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026
#News #CIA #FBI
CIA, FBI, and Counterintelligence News Today – 7:46 AM 4/4/2026
AI Review: Objective, Balanced, Timely.
AI Mode: Current news involving the CIA, FBI, and counterintelligence is dominated by high-level leadership transitions, legislative reform efforts, and a sharp focus on state-sponsored threats from China, Russia, and Iran. [1]
Major Agency News (April 2026)
FBI Leadership & Operations: Director Kash Patel has been active in reshaping the Bureau, including controversial moves such as reviewing old counterintelligence files of political opponents. Reports also indicate the firing of several FBI agents who specifically handled sensitive counterintelligence cases.
CIA Strategic Shifts: Director John Ratcliffe recently testified before the House Intelligence Committee regarding worldwide threats. The agency has also faced internal changes, including the end of the World Factbook as a public reference tool.
ODNI Initiatives: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the largest-ever cybersecurity investment for the Intelligence Community to modernize aging infrastructure. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]Counterintelligence Priorities
Recent enforcement actions highlight the ongoing “gray zone” conflict with foreign adversaries: [10]The China Threat:Technology Theft: Three individuals were recently charged with conspiring to illegally divert cutting-edge AI technology to China.
Military Espionage: A Chinese national was recently charged with unlawfully photographing an Air Force base and military equipment.The Iran & Russia Threat:Sanctions Evasion: Authorities recently targeted an Iranian oil shipping network, filing forfeiture complaints against $15 million in funds.
Illegal Exports: A Bulgarian national was sentenced in early 2026 for a scheme to export sensitive U.S. microelectronics to Russia.Legislative Reform: Congress is debating the SECURE Act, a major counterintelligence reform effort intended to move the U.S. toward a more proactive and unified posture against state-sponsored networks. [1, 11, 12, 13, 14]
Recent Case Summary
Target State [11, 12, 15, 16] Nature of CaseStatus (March/April 2026)ChinaAI Technology Diversion3 individuals chargedNorth KoreaSanctions Evasion (Computer Access)3 individuals sentencedRussiaSensitive Microelectronics ExportSentencing in Austin, TXIranOil Shipping Network Funds$15M civil forfeiture
Would you like more details on the SECURE Act or the current cybersecurity initiatives being led by the ODNI?
[1] intelligence.house.gov[2] cbsnews.com
[3] asharangappa.substack.com
[4] nytimes.com
[5] youtube.com
[6] youtube.com
[7] politico.com
[8] politico.com
[9] dni.gov
[10] einpresswire.com
[11] fbi.gov
[12] fbi.gov
[13] fbi.gov
[14] intelligence.house.gov
[15] magneticsmag.com
[16] forth.news— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Apr 4, 2026