# The Kremlin's Shadow Arsenal: A Cybersecurity Threat to the West
The Cold War may have ended, but the espionage wars continue. Sean Wiswesser, a CIA veteran with three decades of experience in U.S. spookdom, has written a book that provides a glimpse into Moscow's sophisticated intelligence arsenal. Tradecraft, Tactics and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War offers a candid look at the tactics used by Russian spies to infiltrate foreign governments and agencies.
As Wiswesser reveals, Russian espionage is not just about stealing secrets but also about exerting influence, spotting potential recruits, and penetrating foreign spy services. The author, who recruited Russian intelligence officers, ran them as agents, and helped catch those who tried to spy on the United States and its allies, paints a vivid picture of the daily routine of Russian intelligence operatives based at diplomatic missions abroad.
One of the most striking aspects of Russian espionage is the use of "illegals" – spies living in foreign countries not just to gather intelligence but also to do other tasks such as passive observation. These agents are often unaware of their true mission, and even when they are, they may be reluctant to abandon their new lives.
Wiswesser highlights the attempts by Russia to sow distrust in Western societies, including spreading hoax stories about voting machines being vulnerable to hacking and exploiting divisions on issues like race, religion, and political outlook. These operations were often conducted over the internet from outside the United States.
The author also reveals that Russian sabotage operations in Europe typically involve casual hires – "disposable" agents paid in cash or cryptocurrency via cut-outs. These agents may have no idea who is tasking them to burn something down or beat someone up, or why.
Wiswesser's book is a warning that the threat of Russian espionage is real and growing. The author argues that the West must take more risks and try harder to counter Russian aggression and mischief. He believes that by doing so, the West can hasten the collapse of Russia's ruling kleptocracy and eventually bring about its return to the civilized world.
In conclusion, Tradecraft, Tactics and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War is a must-read for anyone interested in cybersecurity and espionage. Wiswesser's book provides a unique insight into Moscow's intelligence arsenal and highlights the need for the West to take a more proactive approach to countering Russian threats.
**Key Takeaways:**
* Russian espionage is not just about stealing secrets but also about exerting influence, spotting potential recruits, and penetrating foreign spy services. * The use of "illegals" – spies living in foreign countries with no clear mission – poses a significant threat to Western security. * Russian sabotage operations in Europe often involve casual hires who may be unaware of their true purpose. * The West must take more risks and try harder to counter Russian aggression and mischief. * By doing so, the West can hasten the collapse of Russia's ruling kleptocracy and bring about its return to the civilized world.
**Recommended Reading:**
* Spycraft Rebooted: How Technology Is Changing Espionage by Edward Lucas * The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré
**Related Topics:**
* Cybersecurity * Espionage * Intelligence agencies * Russia's intelligence services (RIS) * Western security