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Sina Beaghley

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Senior International/Defense Policy Researcher
Santa Monica Office

Education

M.A. in international affairs/international security, George Washington University; B.A. in political science/media communications, University of San Diego

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Sina Beaghley is a senior international/defense policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. She focuses her research on national security policy issues including counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber strategy, security clearance reform, and surveillance policy and privacy. Beaghley came to RAND after more than a decade of service in the Federal government developing and implementing national security policies. Previously she served as director for Intelligence and Information Security on the National Security Council (NSC) staff where she coordinated the U.S. government review of intelligence capabilities and prioritization in response to 2013-2014 unauthorized disclosures related to the National Security Agency. At the NSC, she advised the President and National Security Advisor on foreign relations and intelligence posture and policy. Prior to that, Beaghley was the chief for Near East and Africa planning at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) where she directed the development of multiple national-level counterterrorism plans. Beaghley also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) where she developed defense policy for special operations, counterterrorism, cyberspace operations, and defense activities in the Middle East. Beaghley also deployed as a planner with a Joint Task Force in Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Before joining OSD, she also served at the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Science and Technology and Treasury Department’s Office of Terrorism and Violent Crimes. She received her M.A in international affairs at the George Washington University and her B.A. in political science and media communications from the University of San Diego.

Research Focus

Concurrent Non-RAND Positions

Part-Time Faculty and Lecturer at University of San Diego

Commentary

  • Hacker on a laptop

    Have a Victim Response Plan for Data Breaches

    In a large data breach, there could be a real risk to victims' financial or personal security. Though responsible organizations should do everything in their power to ensure data is protected in the first place, they also should prepare a plan to ensure prompt victim response.

    Oct 2, 2018 The Wall Street Journal’s Cybersecurity Bulletin

  • Credit cards, a chain, an open padlock, and a computer keyboard are visible next to the Equifax logo

    Equifax and the Data-Breach Era

    The personal and financial data of almost 146 million U.S. consumers has been compromised by the Equifax breach, the latest in a long line of high-profile hacks. Do consumers worry enough about such breaches? And what options are available to Congress?

    Oct 18, 2017 The Hill

  • Binary code bursts from phones held by a crowd of people with an overlay of glowing electronic numbers

    What Is the Adversary Likely to Do with the Clearance Records for 20 Million Americans?

    The state actor that hacked the Office of Personnel Management could use the stolen information to further its domestic control against dissidents, enhance its foreign intelligence, and improve its position in the global military and economic order.

    Jan 20, 2017 Inside Sources

  • A person looking at top secret files with a magnifying glass

    Defining a New Paradigm for Government Secrecy

    Technology has afforded the U.S. national security apparatus incredible capabilities, along with equally monumental challenges and risks. The government has the option to choose whether to adjust by taking a proactive approach or to allow external forces to determine the future of its secrets.

    Oct 13, 2015 U.S. News & World Report

  • Demonstrators hold up their signs during the Stop Watching Us: A Rally Against Mass Surveillance march near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, October 26, 2013

    The USA Freedom Act: The Definition of a Compromise

    The USA Freedom Act does not 'balance' privacy and national security, nor is it clear that any legislation can credibly do so. There's no monolithic view of what such a balance should look like.

    May 29, 2015 The Hill

Publications