Outsmarting digital opponents. Using public safety technology to confront online threats to national security

Transcription

1 Outsmarting digital opponents Using public safety technology to confront online threats to national security

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3 Outsmarting digital opponents 3 Digital technologies have changed everything. Governments, businesses and citizens now treat high speed, secure access to the Internet, 24x7 online services, and near-instant global sharing of information as the norm. This enthusiastic embrace of digital technologies is not only powerfully represented in the 289 million Twitter users 1 and nearly one-and-a-half billion Facebook accounts, 2 but also offers a new route to exploitation by threat groups. From extremism, to foreign state espionage, cyber threats, or proliferation activities, the use of online means to recruit and task vulnerable citizens is adding an unwelcome burden on the highpressure workload of national security agencies. Faced with the virtually limitless scope and scale of digital technologies, it is more vital than ever to stay one step ahead of security threats. Traditionally, national security agencies knew what data they needed and generally where to find it. But today, gaining real-time insights from a large, fragmented and ever-changing pool of data is like looking for a needle in a haystack one that is expanding at an ever-increasing pace. Current approaches to the collection, analysis, development and use of intelligence from open-source information (including social media, websites, blogs, online news, web fora, and similar) are already outdated. Using emerging digital technologies to process and present this information effectively offers national security agencies a more effective route to preventing threats and outsmarting violent extremists. Tackling threats Today, national security agencies operational advantages are at risk from rapid advances in technology and the maturity of opponents technical security tradecraft. For example, violent extremists have operational security (OPSEC) manuals 3 and even a 24-hour help desk to help their foot soldiers to recruit and conduct terrorist acts worldwide. Education is readily available on how to secure and hide their communications through the use of encryption and digital tradecraft. 4 In a climate of shrinking resources, reacting to these complex, ever-changing threats has many national security agencies finding it difficult to juggle their overarching technology strategy with the constant demand to react to short-term, tactical challenges. Rapid changes in threat levels and the increasing sophistication of opponents digital activities are compounded by the big data that national security agencies need to interpret, which is affecting operational agility. Following the San Bernardino attacks that left 14 people dead, it was reported that United States security officials had failed to detect social media posts sympathetic to violent jihad on one of the killer s accounts during the immigration screening processes. 5 Without the time or resources for deep and accurate analysis of every case which arises, the ability to use advanced analytics to integrate covertly-acquired intelligence with open-source information is a highly attractive proposition for national security agencies San Bernardino attacks: Killer s social media not checked December

4 4 Outsmarting digital opponents Governments are aware of the increasing difficulty in combating digital threats and recognize a more complete all-source picture is required. In February 2016, the United Kingdom Home Secretary, Theresa May, called on the Five Eyes alliance to increase intelligence sharing to remove terrorist propaganda online and purge extremist messaging from the Internet. 6 The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has echoed this and recommended the harnessing of communication, marketing and social media experts to fight new propaganda challenges. 7 A number of governments are already moving in this direction. For example, the Australian government is investing AUD $21 million to build a stronger social media counter-narrative capability. 8 Using a much wider range of data is not the only way that digital transformation can support national security agencies. Governments can enhance their expertise in tackling traditional threats through smart investment in digital technologies. An example of blending traditional surveillance and digital solutions is Singapore s Safe City Testbed. This nationwide solution uses the latest video analytics technologies to identify street incidents and threats, and alert the appropriate national security or public safety agency. The approach enables rapid response to either prevent future incidents or more effectively respond to those already in motion. 9 Two transformative steps Two steps can help national security agencies better manage security threats: Step 1. Use digital technologies to enhance information sharing and collaboration Public safety technology can supplement existing approaches to information sharing and collaboration to accelerate and enhance intelligence. Advanced digital and collaborative tools enable national security agencies to pre-empt threats, target violent extremists, and counter-extremist narratives online. Following the shooting by 15-year-old Farhad Jabar of a New South Wales police force employee in October 2015, the local police union in Australia called upon the government to implement a more sophisticated law enforcement database and encourage better intelligence sharing. 10 The ability to collect, analyze and develop actionable intelligence from data shared between multiple agencies significantly increases capabilities without the need for additional resources. Using digital tools to share such data can elicit a response more effortlessly, securely and effectively than by sending and receiving unstructured text requests. Matching data models, ontologies and taxonomies, as well as the auto-processing of data and use of joint analytical tools can greatly increase the speed and scope of information sharing. Taking advantage of secure, private cloud solutions enables national security agencies to benefit from a larger, consolidated pool of data (as appropriate under law) to identify threats or avenues of inquiry

5 Outsmarting digital opponents 5 Agencies and governments know that such solutions need to be implemented at the national level so they can also be realized, in time, on an international scale. With rapid digital advancements, national security agencies should continuously scan their environment and educate themselves on what new capabilities are available to keep pace with the latest developments. There must be international cooperation, a common approach, free flows of intelligence and information, and the closing of technological gaps which the extremists exploit. 11 United Kingdom Home Secretary Theresa May, 16 February 2016 Step 2. Seize digital transformation opportunities There is no single solution to combat existing and emerging threats, but by using the same emerging technologies that opponents are using, national security agencies can enhance operational effectiveness. Islamic State are currently using social media to reach out virtually to promote and recruit nationally and internationally 12 and collaborate with potential future members. With 46 percent of social media users actively discussing news items online, it is easy to see why digital makes an attractive radicalization platform. 13 But this vast data pool can be exploited by national security agencies, too. Historically, no-one questioned the effective analysis of call data records; today, social media and other digital and online sources of information are being assessed as ways to affect predictive policing or intelligence activities in the future. Applying public safety technologies that make use of a wide range of content analytics (including sentiment analysis, word analysis, opinion mining and natural language processing) to open-source information can help prevent and detect threats. 14 Such technologies now work effectively and instantly across diverse language datasets. London s Metropolitan Police Service piloted predictive analytics technology on data from various sources to better understand gang activities across the city. The insights derived highlighted and risk-scored known serial offenders, enabling the police to enhance decision-making. 15 The digital transformation of traditional collection sources such as surveillance, interception, video, and pattern-of-life data means that it can then be enriched and analyzed with open-source information to draw a much more complete picture for national security agencies. The adversaries may be getting smarter, but using digital technologies, agencies can beat them at their own game The Twitter jihad: ISIS insurgents in Iraq, Syria using social media to recruit fighters, promote violence, ABC News, 21 June Accenture Research & International Association of Chiefs of Police, Making Social Media Part of the Uniform: How Policing Solutions use #Socialmedia to #Buildcommunities and #Fightcrime, 2014; p Accenture Research & International Association of Chiefs of Police: Making Social Media Part of the Uniform 15

6 6 Outsmarting digital opponents Ask yourself With only a laptop, Internet connection and open-source technology, a bomb-maker can instantly, securely and anonymously send bomb-making techniques and methodologies to a potential bomb-maker anywhere in the world. Can you share information with your State, National or International partners as easily? If your data or analytical product is your commodity, does it serve its true value if in a silo? If you are unable to share your information with your State, National or International partners, would you still want the ability to analyze theirs to achieve your operational outcomes? A proactive advantage National security agencies operate in a digital world where vast amounts of relevant information reside in the public domain. As new generations of businesses and citizens are persistently connected, being able to evaluate this information for intelligence purposes becomes more critical. It is not a case of whether to use any or all of a range of public safety technologies such as biometrics, video analytics or offender management systems but rather how to employ them in the right way to manage the growing diversity of both threats and data. Going forward, national security agencies need to: Take advantage of existing data: Use digital technologies and analytics proactively to mine legacy data and use new data (such as social media and open-source intelligence) to gain new intelligence and drive decision making. Work ever more collaboratively: Alleviate resource constraints and manage security restrictions with technology to focus on the core business. Redefine digital value: Use digital technologies to enhance capabilities and situational awareness while reducing resource liabilities. Contact Dirk Hodgson dirk.hodgson@accenture.com Joshua Kennedy-White joshua.kennedy-white@accenture.com Kevin O Brien kevin.obrien@accenture.com Connect with us to learn more on delivering public service for the future on

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8 About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions underpinned by the world s largest delivery network Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 373,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at About Delivering Public Service for the Future What does it take to deliver public service for the future? Public service leaders must embrace four structural shifts advancing toward personalized services, insightdriven operations, a public entrepreneurship mind-set and a cross-agency commitment to mission productivity. By making these shifts, leaders can support flourishing societies, safe, secure nations and economic vitality for citizens in a digital world delivering public service for the future. The views and opinions expressed in this document are meant to stimulate thought and discussion. As each business has unique requirements and objectives, these ideas should not be viewed as professional advice with respect to your business. This document makes descriptive reference to trademarks that may be owned by others. The use of such trademarks herein is not an assertion of ownership of such trademarks by Accenture and is not intended to represent or imply the existence of an association between Accenture and the lawful owners of such trademarks. Copyright 2016 Accenture All rights reserved. Accenture, its logo, and High Performance Delivered are trademarks of Accenture.