Tracking terrorists
By Pulkit Sharma

Many Indian security experts feel that our security establishment lacks the budget to keep an eye on digital threats to India.  And that private Indian security firms can do the job.  Naturally, only after the Indian Government has vetted such Indian firms. 

American security agencies have the best budgets running into billions of dollars.  But even the Americans rely on at least two private internet security companies to keep track of Al-Quada and other enemies they are fighting.

Two private American companies SITE and IntelCenter track the terrorists on the net to work out their names, organizational structure, funding and the next attack. Most of the statements by Osama Bin Laden on the internet are picked up these two companies, translated, analysed and then fed to their numerous clients including Government intelligence agencies and every large media organization in USA.

Josh Devon was only 23 years old when he cofounded SITE. SITE has been spectacularly successful with the FBI Director sending it a personal letter of appreciation.  Such specialized internet and security services are not cheap.  IntelCenter offers a service to governments only of helping rescue hostages at a cost of $500,000 a year. Other services are in the same range.

German magazine Spiegel scooped an interview/profile of both these private companies.  Recommended reading