Partnerships
Strengthening the mission through collaboration
The FBI's counterintelligence and espionage mission is to neutralize hostile intelligence activities targeting the United States.
Under Executive Order 12333, the FBI holds primary responsibility for safeguarding national and economic security, as well as enforcing the rule of law, making it the lead U.S. government agency in counterintelligence. However, one of our most powerful assets in combating these threats is our collaborative partnerships.
To stay ahead of current and emerging threats to national security, it is crucial that we work together. As the counterintelligence landscape continues to evolve, it is important that we reinforce and expand our strategic partnerships with state and local law enforcement, as well as the private sector.
In a worldwide economy, doing business overseas means navigating different laws and policies. When it comes to working in China, FBI counterintelligence officials highlight important security concerns every company and entrepreneur should kno
Private sector engagement
InfraGard
InfraGard is a public-private partnership network comprised of businesses, academia, and state and local law enforcement entities dedicated to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure. Spanning nearly 80 chapters nationwide, InfraGard facilitates timely information sharing, training, and collaboration on emerging technologies and threats.
Domestic Security Alliance Council
The Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC) is a strategic collaboration between the U.S. government and the private sector that enhances information sharing and strengthens cooperation on threats in the U.S. private industry.
Protecting your company: What you should know
Counterintelligence risks rarely mimic “spy” movie stereotypes. Instead, most incidents appear as ordinary business interactions, such as:
- A “too perfect” investor, recruiter or customer request
- A new hire with unusual or excessive access needs
- An employee pushing remote access or “urgent” system access changes
- A friendly contact who gradually request for “just a little more” information
Best practices to keep your business safe include:
- Identify and protect your most valuable assets.
- Strengthen cybersecurity measures; thoroughly screen new hires; monitor facility access, and stay alert of employees’ behavior, international travel and foreign ties.
- Know your vendors; avoid contracting with those vulnerable to coercion or foreign influence.
Counterintelligence risks span multiple threat vectors, with cyber threats often serving as a gateway to counterintelligence activity. Visit FBI Cyber: What Businesses Should Know to understand cyber risk and how to report suspected malicious activity.
Foreign adversaries are also targeting clearance holders through social media and professional networking sites. For best practices on protecting your workforce, visit Clearance Holders on Social Media.
Make a plan
Prevention is a two-way street. Strong relationships on a local level help us—and keep us—ahead of the threat. Connect with your local FBI field office’s Private Sector Coordinator to explore partnership opportunities.
If you suspect your company has been targeted by foreign adversaries, or have information regarding a national security threat, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, file a report at tips.fbi.gov or the Internet Crime Complaint Center, and/or contact your local FBI field office.
Partnership + proactiveness = prevention
Adversaries are no longer just targeting the U.S. government; they are using sophisticated intelligence capabilities against a much broader target set, including the private sector. Partnering with the FBI helps companies assess counterintelligence risk and safeguard people, data, intellectual property, and sensitive operations.
Through early engagements, the FBI collaborates with trusted partners to share threat awareness, identify vulnerabilities, and establish points of contact and incident response plans before issues arise. These collaborative efforts build trust and help companies recognize and respond to foreign intelligence threats, insider risks, and other efforts to exploit proprietary information and emerging technologies.
Strong partnerships and timely collaboration strengthen our collective ability to disrupt adversaries, prevent exploitation, and develop a shared understanding of the risks and needs facing both the federal government and private sector.
Resources
The China Threat
The counterintelligence and economic espionage efforts emanating from the government of China and the Chinese Communist Party are a grave threat to the economic well-being and democratic values of the United States. Confronting this threat is the FBI’s top counterintelligence priority.
Chinese Talent Plans
Learn more about Chinese talent plans, how they work, and risks to U.S. businesses, universities, and laboratories—as well as to talent plan participants.