Signals Intelligence
Intelligence derived from the interception of electronic signals and communications between people, machines or systems.
National-security agencies monitor adversary communications, telemetry and electronic emissions.
The NSA's UPSTREAM and PRISM programs, revealed by the Snowden disclosures, collect signals and metadata from global fiber-optic backbones.
A live SIGINT tool is on the roadmap. In the meantime, explore the definition and application above.
RoadmapIntelligence gathered through interpersonal contact with human sources: interviews, debriefings, informants and elicitation.
Intelligence concerning foreign technological developments, weapons and equipment capabilities.
A subset of SIGINT obtained by intercepting communications between people: voice, text and data exchanges.
Intelligence collected from non-communications electronic emissions such as radar, beacons and weapons systems.
Unverified information circulating informally — rumors, gossip and unofficial chatter.
Intelligence from intercepted electromagnetic emissions of foreign weapons systems — telemetry, beacons and video links.