The Chalk Mark Still Matters: Russian Espionage Handling in the Modern Era

"The RIS train on this heavily at their intelligence academies, including surveillance/countersurveillance techniques, agent signaling and handling, and the use of operational technology in agent communications."

"Signaling is fundamental to any agent-handling operation. Before any message is exchanged, agents and handlers must confirm that it is safe to communicate."

"Russians use what we often like to call 'urban geography,' meaning telephone poles, mailboxes, park benches, or signs, which are part of everyday life."

Russian agent handling practices have evolved, integrating advanced covert communication methods like satellite and encrypted systems. Training at intelligence academies focuses on surveillance, countersurveillance, and agent signaling. Signaling is crucial for safe communication between agents and handlers, utilizing everyday urban elements for discreet exchanges. As Russia intensifies covert actions against NATO, understanding these techniques becomes vital, especially regarding espionage operations involving high-level infiltrations in various sectors, including media and NGOs.

Read at The Cipher Brief