This week's discussion and readings on the legal, ethical, and privacy aspects associated with cyber intelligence operations highlight some interesting challenges. Cyber intelligence operations must weave through complex privacy, ethical and legal boundaries in both national and international realms. There are laws in place within many nations that provide direction on the legalities of invading its citizens privacy; whereas, on the international front the legal standards are not as robust and vary greatly. Hollis posits in his research that the lack of laws and regulations regarding cyber intelligence operations cause significant delays in the applications of repercussions such as sanctions. The major international powers prefer the lack of definition because that is where they operate without repercussions. Nweke and Wolthusen add having clear laws and regulations facilitate the sharing of intelligence data, further protecting a nation against its adversaries. If the international community wanted to implement laws and regulations regarding cyber operations it would have already been accomplished.

The massive amounts of data collected on citizens brings up serious ethical concerns. Most of the data collection hides behind the veil of national defense. The most notable example of the legality and ethics of data collection was brought to light when Edward Snowden disclosed classified information on the existence of a mass global surveillance program. The massive collection and analysis by both governmental and private organizations is at an all-time high. A balance between privacy and national security must be obtained and it seems at the moment the pendulum is heavily weighted against individual rights. As Bellaby postulates, the benefits of data collection must outweigh the harms caused by invading individual rights. Collection of intelligence on a subject to determine what the individual might do was discussed research and one could argue this approach is going too far. It would be indefensible for a just cause to invade a citizen's privacy for a warrantless search. Although Snowden's revelation initiated global concerns regarding the ethics of widespread data collection, nothing seems to have changed to curtail the tension related to collection for security and considering citizens privacy rights. Government and private entities seem to be waiting for the discourse to subside and the population to forget about the loss of privacy. Citizens should not have to just accept that a corporation has the right to build an intelligence repository, read their emails, and listen to their conversations in their home, just because they want a cell phone to stay in contact with family.

Although there are many pitfalls associated with intelligence collection, there are many benefits to having an effective cyber intelligence operation. When executed properly the general populations privacy is upheld and the threat of a significant event is reduced. The difficult and challenging part is keeping the collection at bay to respect the rights of private citizens. Government and corporations must allow citizen their right to privacy, even if it makes collection more difficult. A surveillance state is only good for the government, not the citizens.

Appreciate all who have digested my posting this week. Looking forward to the contributions to the body of knowledge and all the informative posts that I have read so far. Ready to get this final paper wrapped up.