Counter Intelligence

Intelligence activities mainly concern gaining access to information, technology or products that are not openly available and that a country would not otherwise have gained access to. However, the work of the intelligence service is not only limited to acquiring special information. Parallel with the gathering of information are attempts to influence those responsible for setting terms, as well as other individuals in public and private decision-making processes. Other countries’ espionage can therefore result in an impairment of Norwegian companies’ competitiveness or a diminishing of Norway’s political freedom of action. PST’s task is to prevent and deter other states from exploiting, undermining and in various ways damaging Norway and Norway’s interests through their intelligence services.

Intelligence activities in Norway

Approximately 19 countries currently have intelligence officers stationed in Norway. Many of these officers are in this country legally and function as a liaison between Norway and their respective home countries in the prevention of crimes such as terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Other intelligence officers are in Norway on false pretences – for example in the guise of diplomats, journalists or business people. Most often they are here to lead others astray, to gather information, to exert influence, to recruit, to undermine and at worst to carry out sabotage activities for the benefit of a foreign state – at the expense of Norway.

Several factors make Norway interesting to foreign intelligence services. Norway manages large natural resources, is technologically far advanced in various areas, engages in international activities – political, economic and military – and is also a refuge for people who have sought protection from areas of conflict. PST has experienced that all these factors can attract attention from the intelligence services of other countries. The intelligence threat has been assessed as high throughout 2009. The country’s interests and Norwegian players abroad have also been exposed to intelligence activities during the year.

Challenges

The possibilities of espionage through computer hacking and through foreign and private players’ growing role in arenas that are of importance for Norway’s safety and security have been particularly challenging for PST’s preventive work throughout the year. It is likely that these challenges will continue in the years to come.