The point of these weekly updates is to mark a moment in the later week to highlight the nature of change in our world so we can anticipate what might be coming next. We normally pick one of us to do the verbal narrative, which usually starts out with “And all this stuff is going on, so…”

In an attempt to transition from the narrative stream suggests to what it actually means for those who have to get out of bed, do the usual personal maintenance and then go to work. In this week, what aspects of the jumbled mass above could actually complicate today?

There is some information about real and urgent conflict that is useful. “Delays in Big Offensive” is the one about a proxy conflict in Europe. The artillery shells to be used are draining existing arsenals in all the NATO countries. Replacing those prudent stocks along with necessary expenditures will reportedly not happen for two annual cycles. So, that might be the summary for the whole list in just a few words: “Shortage of materiel slows progress. Soldiers sacrificed.”

The other one is a story of direct impact on people like us. You may have heard about the trove of classified information leaked to the Web. Having been subject to restrictions on information, the details are interesting. The Counterintelligence fields has adapted to new technology, but the technical changes continue to evolve. The last of these cases was that of a woman named “Reality Winner” who sent classified information to a partisan outlet. There followed a host of leaks which support various information narratives. Some were significant, including the Supreme Court leak on the Roe v. Wade decision. There has been no resolution on that. The latest is billed, loosely, as “That National Security Leak.”

As a matter of company policy, we avoid search engines which collect “history,” and download nothing. But this is embarrassing and the Administration insists it will get to the bottom of it. The Quick view? The leaker may be a male in their twenties. A cyber Gaming Enthusiast using “demonstrably true” intelligence for advantage in WarCraft or the myriad of other games. This is first-heard, so the story will evolve.

So what? This clearly has implications for the National Security establishment, since they have been directed to clean up. Initial reports are theoretical profiling of the Leaker. They refer to a young man who is active in the cyber Gaming sector. There is word the FBI may have one in custody, NFI. He had access to highly classified information and was willing to share it for advantage in a contest related only indirectly to standard ideology and current events. Once out, it went everywhere.

The arrest may change the trajectory of this, but clearly Security has to have more tools to identify Leaks. That means the ability to monitor compliance will be enhanced. That will impact folks still in the business, and through contact lists to all of us who used to be in the business. And everyone we know. Which includes you, of course.

So, we expect a more vigorous cyber counter-intelligence effort and support it. We also are aware of the fundamental social changes that are going to come with it. You should be, too.

Copyright 2023 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com