Final answer:
Intelligence and counterintelligence services are critical in assessing and protecting against threats. Hackers use tactics like phishing and malware to steal information, which can typically be mitigated through robust cybersecurity measures. The existence of terrorist networks poses new challenges in securing national safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When identifying COAs (Courses of Action) and supporting operations that a threat can use to meet their objectives, there are several factors to consider.
To fully assess the threat, intelligence services need to gather comprehensive information on the capabilities, objectives, and tactics of the threat actors.
Counterintelligence services are vital in this front as they work to protect the nation from internal threats by detecting, deceiving, and neutralizing espionage efforts.
Hackers employ various tactics such as phishing, malware distribution, and exploiting vulnerabilities. They may steal sensitive information like personal data, intellectual property, or government secrets, and use it for purposes ranging from identity theft to political leverage.
To gauge how successful hackers are, one must look at the frequency and impact of successful breaches.
To reduce hacking, robust cybersecurity measures such as regular software updates, use of firewalls, encryption, and security awareness training should be implemented.
The presence of a well-organized terrorist network changes the landscape of national security, creating challenges in the identification and neutralization of threats compared to detecting individual terrorists who are much harder to identify until an act has been committed.