What is the objective of counterintelligence operations?

The objective of counterintelligence operations is fundamentally focused on safeguarding national security by preventing espionage and protecting sensitive information from adversaries. This broad aim encompasses various activities designed to identify, assess, and neutralize foreign intelligence threats, thus ensuring that critical data and operations remain concealed from those who seek to exploit them.

Counterintelligence not only works to thwart attempts at collecting classified information but also involves measures to mislead or deceive potential adversaries regarding the capabilities and intentions of one's own operations. By accomplishing these goals, counterintelligence plays a pivotal role in maintaining a strategic advantage and ensuring the integrity of military and governmental operations.

Other options, while they may involve elements of security or information management, do not directly address the primary focus of counterintelligence, which is to specifically counter threats posed by adversaries through espionage.