5 ms·

Your "understanding" of PRISM is wrong.

by packetslave 13y ago

jshen 13y ago
Please explain.
- kahirsch 13y ago
  There was a fifth Powerpoint slide published by the Guardian[1] which clearly distinguished between PRISM and "Upstream" methods which collect "communications on fiber cables and infrastructure as data flows past." The PRISM program mentioned in the Powerpoint slides is very likely the same program that is mentioned in unclassified documents such as Army Field Manual (FM) 3-55, Information Collection[2]: > 6-12. Two joint ISR planning systems—the collection management mission application and the Planning Tool for Resource, Integration, Synchronization, and Management (PRISM)—help facilitate access to joint resources. PRISM, a subsystem of collection management mission application, is a Web-based management and synchronization tool used to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of theater operations. PRISM creates a collaborative environment for resource managers, collection managers, exploitation managers, and customers. In joint collection management operations, the collection manager coordinates with the operations directorate to forward collection requirements to the component commander exercising tactical control over the theater reconnaissance and surveillance assets. A mission tasking order goes to the unit responsible for the collection operations. At the selected unit, the mission manager makes the final choice of platforms, equipment, and personnel required for the collection operations based on operational considerations such as maintenance, schedules, training, and experience. The Air Force uses the collection management mission application. This application is a Web-centric information systems architecture that incorporates existing programs sponsored by several commands, Services, and agencies. It also provides tools for recording, gathering, organizing, and tracking intelligence collection requirements for all disciplines [1]http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/08/nsa-prism-server-collection-facebook-google http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/08/nsa-prism-server... [2]http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm3_55.pdf#page=61 http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm3_55.pd...
joe_the_user 13y ago
Any understanding of PRISM outside the classified world seems to be incomplete. Some people version of PRISM seems to involve caching the whole Internet. That might sound implausible, yes. But we won't know until or if the whole thing gets declassified.
greyman 13y ago
Yes, but that vacuuming is apparently being done, just not under PRISM (for example, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_641A https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_641A). PRISM is just one method of getting the data.

Your "understanding" of PRISM is wrong.

jshen 13y ago

Please explain.

kahirsch 13y ago
There was a fifth Powerpoint slide published by the Guardian[1] which clearly distinguished between PRISM and "Upstream" methods which collect "communications on fiber cables and infrastructure as data flows past." The PRISM program mentioned in the Powerpoint slides is very likely the same program that is mentioned in unclassified documents such as Army Field Manual (FM) 3-55, Information Collection[2]: > 6-12. Two joint ISR planning systems—the collection management mission application and the Planning Tool for Resource, Integration, Synchronization, and Management (PRISM)—help facilitate access to joint resources. PRISM, a subsystem of collection management mission application, is a Web-based management and synchronization tool used to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of theater operations. PRISM creates a collaborative environment for resource managers, collection managers, exploitation managers, and customers. In joint collection management operations, the collection manager coordinates with the operations directorate to forward collection requirements to the component commander exercising tactical control over the theater reconnaissance and surveillance assets. A mission tasking order goes to the unit responsible for the collection operations. At the selected unit, the mission manager makes the final choice of platforms, equipment, and personnel required for the collection operations based on operational considerations such as maintenance, schedules, training, and experience. The Air Force uses the collection management mission application. This application is a Web-centric information systems architecture that incorporates existing programs sponsored by several commands, Services, and agencies. It also provides tools for recording, gathering, organizing, and tracking intelligence collection requirements for all disciplines [1]http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/08/nsa-prism-server-collection-facebook-google http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/08/nsa-prism-server... [2]http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm3_55.pdf#page=61 http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm3_55.pd...

joe_the_user 13y ago

Any understanding of PRISM outside the classified world seems to be incomplete. Some people version of PRISM seems to involve caching the whole Internet. That might sound implausible, yes. But we won't know until or if the whole thing gets declassified.

greyman 13y ago

Yes, but that vacuuming is apparently being done, just not under PRISM (for example, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_641A https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_641A). PRISM is just one method of getting the data.