Difference between FBI, CIA and NSA
When it comes to matters of natural security, the CIA follows closely behind the FBI as the organization that is most commonly discussed. Both organizations have been depicted countless times in cinema and media of course, but there is one other organization that hasn't received quite as much attention: the NSA. This comparison article takes a look at the more significant characteristics of each.
In Brief
The FBI is basically a domestic law enforcement organization that seeks to collect domestic intelligence, and works to counter threats that originate from within the country. If there is a threat to United States security from anyone within its borders, the FBI has jurisdiction over any other police or government agency. The CIA on the other hand, collects information from a variety of international sources and determines its relevance to United States security. In the event of an impending terrorist attack for example, the CIA would primarily be in charge of investigation. As for the NSA, it is undoubtedly one of the least known government intelligence organizations. It is primarily involved in “information assurance”, which basically means that they try to break foreign intelligence codes while maintaining the security of U.S. government information.
In Action
The FBI often works in conjunction with local police agencies in major cases. The organization has a highly advanced evidence lab, and many local law enforcement agencies often send evidence for analysis to the FBI if they are unable to process evidence. The FBI is in charge of major murder and kidnapping cases and crimes that involve crossing state borders. The CIA basically operates all over the world, relying mainly on ground agents to provide intelligence information back to Virginia central office. CIA agents often work in conjunction with government intelligence agencies from other countries. The NSA is affiliated with the Central Security Service or CSS, and deals mainly with cryptological issues. They essentially decrypt foreign intelligence from various sources and also develop encryption keys that secure information related to the United States.
Tasks
The FBI and the CIA regularly work together, particularly in instances requiring information on people in the United States. The CIA for its part is called in for attacks involving terrorists from outside the United States for instance. The NSA often works closely with the U.S. Armed Forces in securing military information.
Summary
FBI
- A domestic law enforcement agency
- Main objective is to gather domestic intelligence and to address threats originating from within the country
- Responsible for dealing with threats to the security of the United States
CIA
- Gathers security information relevant to United States concerns
- Gather information from international sources
- Evaluates security information and takes action against risks to the United States
- Addresses planned and potential terrorists attacks on the United States government from outside the country
NSA
- The least known intelligence agency of the government
- Has the primary goal of “information assurance”
- Involved in the security of American information
- Accomplishes its goals by way of encryption, secure computer systems, and access control
