Challenges in the work of intelligence services in the information age

The collection and analytical work of modern intelligence services faces numerous challenges because the environment in which the services operate is characterized by the need for rapid data collection, analysis and decision-making, almost in real time. When we consider security work, the growing dependence on modern information technology makes the information structure of services sensitive and "vulnerable" to information attacks. Also, the application of information operations as a form of performing secret actions has been updated. Information technology has also changed the relationship between the service and users, introduced the possibility of applying the "pull" architecture for obtaining information, which, in addition to the good sides, also brings certain challenges. Due to all the above, the intelligence services are adapting to the technological, organizational and cultural changes brought about by the information revolution. The paper reviews the challenges in the work of modern intelligence services, primarily from the aspect of the impact of mass application of modern information technology on operational and analytical work, as well as the application of secret actions in the work of services. The aim of this paper is to point out the numerous challenges that the information revolution brings to modern intelligence services. A comparative analysis of the presented research material leads to the conclusion that the services encounter new tasks and ways of functioning in all their activities, which ultimately raises the sensitive issue of their reform. The conclusion reached in this paper is that the reform of intelligence services in the "information age" is in any case necessary, but that its implementation should not be revolutionary, but must be carried out evolutionarily.