Spies employ search tool

Source:  Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, SD)

JEREMY FUGLEBERG
August 7, 2006

It can be tough to sell software to spies.

Just ask Duncan Witte, president of Sioux Falls-based BrightPlanet. His people created Deep Query Manager, an in-depth Internet search tool that works in more than a dozen languages.

It's a tool in tracking terrorists online.

No matter how advanced his software, the advertising can be difficult. While big intelligence agencies use his product, they're not so big about public testimonials. But Witte said a quiet, well-placed conversation can do the trick.

"It's word-of-mouth with clearances," he said.

Security concerns can make it difficult to find out more about Deep Query Manager and how it's used.

Witte said the program can do searches normal search engines such as Google cannot.

"You're looking for a particular needle in a needle stack," he said.

However, the people who use the program don't want to go on the record.

The FBI couldn't be reached for comment. The CIA was friendly, but would not talk.

"Generally, we don't comment into the type of equipment we use or not," said a spokeswoman.

Vincent Cannistraro is the retired operations chief for the CIA's Counterterrorism Center, a 27-year veteran of intelligence work, and he now owns a consulting firm.

He said there's been a concerted push in the intelligence community to keep an eye on online terrorists.

"It really means burrowing down into these jihadist Web sites," he said. "And they do it in a professionally organized way."

While the pros wouldn't talk about Deep Query Manager, volunteers would.

Phoenix Global Intelligence Systems is a private network of around 40 concerned citizens who prowl the Internet's netherworld, hunting for terrorists. They then pass any tips on to government agencies.

"We basically scour the Internet for any sign of any terrorist threats or plots," said Brent Astley, founder and head of the group. "We try to be an extra set of eyes and ears out there."

Astley said Phoenix Global is connected to the capture of a group planning to blow up New York's Holland Tunnel and flood parts of Manhattan. The plot became public early last month.

His group also ferreted out a U.S. soldier based at Fort Lewis, Wash., who offered his services as a spy for al-Qaida in 2004, he said. The soldier was found guilty and is serving a life sentence.

Astley said BrightPlanet's software is a key part of Phoenix Global's effort, whose information-gathering often begins with a Google search.

Then, "if it looks like it's worthwhile, we'll run it through (Deep Query Manager), and that gives us a whole bunch more information," Astley said.

Phoenix Global's work is part of an ongoing debate about whether it's a good idea for private groups to monitor the Internet for terrorists - no matter what software they use.

Cannistraro said that while he commends the spirit behind the work of Phoenix Global, he questions its usefulness.

"It's amateur hour, it's not very effective," he said. "This vigilante kind of activity assumes that the counterterrorism specialists aren't looking at these targets."

Cannistraro says groups such as Phoenix Global can even stumble upon ongoing government efforts to snare terrorists, possibly ruining the work.

But while the debate continues, one thing holds true: Public and private intelligence outfits use BrightPlanet's software.

The company's success shows what's possible for high-tech businesses in Sioux Falls, said Rich Naser Jr., executive director of the South Dakota Technology Business Center in Sioux Falls.

He said BrightPlanet isn't the only high-tech business staying off the publicity grid.

"They're a little bit of a secret in Sioux Falls, probably because of the field they're in," he said. "But we've got other companies that are well-kept secrets."

Reach Jeremy Fugleberg at 331-2320.

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