ABSTRACT
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is intelligence gathering by means of interpersonal contact, rather than technical intelligence such as signals intelligence (SIGINT), imagery intelligence (IMINT), and measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT). NATO denes HUMINT as “a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources.” Clandestine HUMINT (HUMan INTelligence) involves obtaining information (using human intelligence methods) that is considered secret or condential without the permission of the holder of the information. HUMINT includes a wide range of espionage operations, including the use of spy-professional assets or agents who collect intelligence, couriers who handle secure communications, access agents who arrange contacts between potential spies, and case officers who recruit them.
