Clearance Holders Targeted on Social Media | The Nevernight Connection — FBI

The China Threat

Foreign Intelligence Services Use Social Media Sites to Target People with Security Clearances

China and other foreign governments are using professional networking social media sites to target people with U.S. government security clearances. Foreign intelligence services may use fake profiles, seemingly benign requests, the promise of lucrative payouts, and other tactics to try to gain non-public and classified information for their benefit. The FBI urges everyone—especially those who hold (or have held) security clearances—to be cautious when approached by individuals online regarding career opportunities.

The threat is real. Think before you link.

The Nevernight Connection 

This film—inspired by the case of former CIA officer Kevin Mallory—details the fictional account of a former U.S. Intelligence Community official who was targeted by China via a fake profile on a professional networking site and recruited to turn over classified information before being arrested. Through this film, The FBI and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center seek to raise awareness of this issue and help individuals in the private sector, academic and research communities, and other U.S. government agencies guard against this threat.

What Are the Signs You’re Being Targeted? 

What Should You Do? 

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/the-china-threat/clearance-holders-targeted-on-social-media-nevernight-connection