However, the human relationship between intelligence officers and their agents remains a key element of espionage.įoreign intelligence services typically seek to establish networks of agents whom they can use over a sustained period of time, so that they can obtain a reliable flow of information. They will often take advantage of the latest technology, using it to eavesdrop, tap telephone calls and communicate secretly. The methods used by intelligence officers vary widely, and are often limited only by their ingenuity. Intelligence officers seek to gather covert intelligence directly and to recruit agents to obtain intelligence on their behalf. How intelligence officers and agents operate Such agencies call a covert human intelligence source an 'informant' rather than an 'agent.' In the United States, for instance, an agent is a member of an intelligence or security agency such as the FBI or CIA. Other countries use the same terminology in different ways. An agent may be motivated by a wide variety of personal or ideological factors.Ĭonfusion often arises between what is meant by an officer and an agent. They will probably not be a professional 'spy' but may have some basic instruction in espionage methods. In the UK, an agent, more formally known as a ' covert human intelligence source', is someone who secretly provides information to an intelligence officer. Such spies are dubbed 'illegals' because they operate without any of the protections offered by diplomatic immunity.

In some cases they may operate in 'deep cover' under false names and nationalities. Some intelligence officers may operate under non-official cover to conceal the fact that they work for an intelligence service - posing as a business person, student or journalist for example. They may operate openly, declaring themselves as representatives of foreign intelligence services to their host nation, or covertly under the cover of other official positions such as diplomatic staff or trade delegates. They will be highly trained in espionage techniques and the use of agents. Intelligence officers are members of intelligence services. Spies working for states fall into two categories: intelligence officers and agents.

How to be a real spy agent