Well this isn't good...

[account_inactive]

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cia-...ia-n666636

The Obama administration is contemplating an unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the American presidential election, U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News.

Current and former officials with direct knowledge of the situation say the CIA has been asked to deliver options to the White House for a wide-ranging "clandestine" cyber operation designed to harass and "embarrass" the Kremlin leadership.

The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation. Former intelligence officers told NBC News that the agency had gathered reams of documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

[abaris]

First, so covert that NBC got wind of it.

Secondly, I would be highly surprised if the CIA just started opening backdoors into Russian systems. They're probably both at it for decades, quite possibly with the Chinese another competitor and GCHQ, BND and others, willing helpers.

The televised outrage only starts when someone gets caught or can be blamed for an alleged intrusion. Snowden conveyed that message in a pretty clear way.

[account_inactive]

First, so covert that NBC got wind of it.

It's all over major networks.

[abaris]

I think the US government announced it publicly, it's all over major networks.

Then it's everything but covert. It's the political version of the gorilla pounding his chest.

[account_inactive]

I think the US government announced it publicly, it's all over major networks.

Then it's everything but covert. It's the political version of the gorilla pounding his chest.  

I edited my post because I wasn't exactly sure, I remember seeing something on Twitter about the US government saying something about it publicly. But I agree with you, they're just showing off basically.

[SteelCurtain]

I bet they already have something juicy, they are just setting the stage.

Probably let Hillary announce it.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

...the agency had gathered reams of documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

I am profoundly shocked.  The notion that Putin - the very model of moderation, compassion and square dealing - might be unsavory is something I don't think I can deal with.  vdws

Boru

[abaris]

I am profoundly shocked.  The notion that Putin - the very model of moderation, compassion and square dealing - might be unsavory is something I don't think I can deal with.  vdws

Boru

But at the same time I always find it hilarious when some nation gets outraged over espionage and setting up fith columns to influence some political decisions. They all do it, they all did it for ages. It's only when someone gets caught in the act that they put up a tragedy or honesty for their own population to be admired for their righteousness.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

I am profoundly shocked.  The notion that Putin - the very model of moderation, compassion and square dealing - might be unsavory is something I don't think I can deal with.  vdws

Boru

But at the same time I always find it hilarious when some nation gets outraged over espionage and setting up fith columns to influence some political decisions. They all do it, they all did it for ages. It's only when someone gets caught in the act that they put up a tragedy or honesty for their own population to be admired for their righteousness.

No argument. Espionage has as long a gloried history as the self-righteous breast beating that accompanies it: 'How DARE you spy on us? We're so moral that we would NEVER do that. Prepare to be spied upon...'


Boru

[Longhorn]

Espionage? What a preposterous idea...