FC: Accused spy Robert Hanssen is also a geek, says FBI

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,41950,00.html
   
   Old Spy, New Tricks
   by Declan McCullagh (declan () wired com

   2:00 a.m. Feb. 22, 2001 PST
   WASHINGTON -- Robert Philip Hanssen is not only an accused spy who
   federal agents say is responsible for one of the most serious breaches
   of national security in years.
   
   He's also allegedly a geek.
   
   In a 150KB affidavit, the FBI says that the 56-year-old
   counterintelligence specialist used a Palm III, encryption and flash
   memory cards to convey documents to his Russian handlers. Instead of
   old-fashioned midnight meetings, the affidavit says, Hanssen suggested
   in 1985 that communications take place through a computer bulletin
   board system.
   
   "Hanssen, using the code name 'Ramon,' engaged in espionage by
   providing highly classified information to the KGB and its successor
   agency ... using encrypted communications, dead drops, and other
   clandestine techniques," FBI Director Louis Freeh said on Tuesday.
   
   Court documents filed by the U.S. government provide not only a
   tantalizing glimpse into the life of the 25-year veteran agent, but
   also hint at the surveillance capabilities of the FBI and the National
   Security Agency.
   
   Hanssen has been charged with multiple felony counts, including
   leaking national defense information and conspiracy to commit
   espionage. An attorney for Hanssen said his client would likely plead
   not guilty.
   
   [...]

The FBI affidavit:
http://www.fas.org/irp/ops/ci/hanssen_affidavit.html




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