An Intelligence, Economic, Political, and Technological Cost/Benefit Analysis of Cyber Surveillance Techniques

Project description:  

This study evaluates cyber surveillance techniques employed by government signals intelligence agencies. Historical data relating to techniques either confirmed or widely considered to be employed by the National Security Agency of the United States, Government Communications Headquarters of the United Kingdom, Communications Security Establishment Canada, and other signals intelligence surveillance agencies are considered inputs into an innovative model and intelligence-related, economic, political, and technological effects of surveillance techniques are considered outputs from the model. Based on likelihood, impact, and weight inputs from the model’s user, evaluative scores are calculated by the model. Additionally, the model is used to run simulations representing various stakeholders.

Project people:
Lance Hoffman (Point of Contact)
Jonathan Berliner (no longer at GWU) 
[email protected]
202-994-5613

Project sponsor:  Centers & Institutes Facilitating Fund (CIFF) of the Office of the Vice President for Research of the George Washington University.

Project products: 
1.  Berliner, Jonathan.  "An Intelligence, Economic, Political, and Technological Cost/Benefit Analysis of Cyber Surveillance Techniques," 2014.  Download report (pdf). 

2.  Spreadsheet referenced in academic paper (footnote #1, page 1).  Download.

3.  Hoffman, Lance.  "The Crypto Policy Debate Redux and a Possible Way Forward."