By Steve Ranger, 17 June 2005 12:10
NEWS IT staff travelling abroad are being targeted by foreign spies in an attempt to steal cutting-edge technologies and research, according to MI5.
MI5 warns that many countries still make extensive use of espionage against the UK.
It said foreign spies will seek intelligence on cutting-edge technologies and associated research and development data, and will target scientists, employees of high-tech companies and business people to get it.
"The covert or unauthorised acquisition of our scientific research, industrial and computer technology can also harm the UK's defences, economic well-being and national infrastructure," the agency warns.
It said travellers should be aware of local laws on social and sexual behaviour and make sure they obey them and avoid any "compromising behaviour which could make you vulnerable to subsequent blackmail" - the so-called 'honey trap' approach.
Warning signs that spies are grooming a traveller for recruitment may include requests to meet in hotels and restaurants rather than at work, and moves to bring relationships onto a social footing.
Alternatively it may take the shape of requests for openly available information which, when received, is rewarded with small gifts or payment.
MI5 warns that lavish hospitality and flattery may also be used to soften up a target for recruitment who may then feel obliged to co-operate rather than offend the hosts.
The agency said travellers should be aware that people they come into contact with professionally could later be interviewed by the local security service.
MI5 said spies will use a variety of techniques to target travellers including intercepting telephone calls, monitoring computer equipment and emails, planting eavesdropping devices and searching hotel rooms - including safes.
Travellers are also warned to avoid discussing sensitive aspects of your business in areas where conversations could be overheard, or on the telephone.
"Eavesdropping devices could be used or your telephone calls intercepted. International calls are particularly vulnerable to remote interception," the agency warns.
Comments
There are 13 comments. Join the discussion
1. Mike W
So what's new ?
2. anonymous
I never knew IT was so exciting!
3. Angus
So what they are saying is that they do it themselves.. and have realised that maybe other countries use the same techniques.
headhunting, hackers, treason and espionage..
ah its all in a days work for us mild mannered IT Execs.
4. Simon Mallett
So when she asks me back to explain how to programme her DVD she isn't really after my body!
5. Richard A.
If you've got IT, flaunt IT...
...and you may get invited to an attractive spy's hotel room. Er, to discuss your hard drive... between the spreadsheets... etc etc
(Damn, I was trying so hard to avoid smutty euphemisms. Oh well.)
Honeytraps? Bring IT on!
6. Roger Huffadine
If you are a techie who travels a lot then you have probably already figured out that:- If a drop dead gorgeous person approaches you for sex then they are either after money [prostitute] or your brains [spy]. The other signal to look out for - not mentioned by MI5 - is the surprise hospitality from a company that you have never dealt with, never intend dealing with. There are several that I could name- but won't - who front for organisations like MI5 using "corporate hospitality" as a front for recruitment activities. YES being a traveling techie can really be fun if you keep your eyes open and your brain engaged.
7. anonymous
Happens to me all the time! Can't get on with my work for mini-skirted girls throwing themselves at me.
Fortunately, I'm the only gay in the village.
8. Tim
Its not new, its the world's second oldest profession. The problem is that people have forgotten that the threat is a real one and still exists today. It is all to easy to laugh about it but the cost of giving away the information on your laptop, pda, phone etc might be much higher than you think......
9. Dick Winchester
"covert or unauthorised acquisition of our scientific research, industrial and computer technology"
So we needn't really worry then. It's the American's, French, German, Swedes and Chinese that really need to watch out!
10. Joe Whitehead
It's easier to break knuckles then codes - and even sweeter when you can break people's concious because then they do it willingly! This is so tempting to any government to do that it's no wonder it's such a big deal.
I imagine the more common threat is signals intellegnce getting 'lost' such as radio intercepts or even the occaisional stolen laptop. But if you can get one person compromised it's often better then 20 laptops.
11. Mike Houghton
Covert activities, grooming for recruitment, lavish hospitality, sex…… wonderful stuff but all so unnecessary. Simply take any commuter train during rush hour to or from London and Reading or Maidenhead (for example) and listen to the techies talk (particularly on their mobile phones)! I have heard many a competitor secret travelling to or from the office… good job I am not a spy… I wonder what the pay is like…
12. Vladimir D Vious
How to steal trade secrets and personal Data ...... KGB directive 69421 / 1
Using Asian zub-continent offices, contact major Corporation (ideally in Banking or high tech field), offer zem unbeatable outsource deal, ven zey move zeir systems over ve plant our own peoples to steal all technologies, personal data on customers / staff (especially bank and account info) and best of all, the laws in those country don't include any form of data or copywrite protection, so ve don't even break ze law. Zend our operatives to UK to search bins of people who ve haf stolen data - bingo ve haf new identities and access to vestern accounts, blackmail possibilities etc.
WELCOME TO OUTSOURCING !!!
13. anonymous
The name is Gates - Bill Gates.