Generally speaking, the term intelligence indicates the acquisition and processing of information necessary to support the decision-making process by the government authorities responsible for the security of the State.

Law no. 124/2007 entrusted this mission to the DIS, the AISE and the AISI so as to ensure the independence of the Italian Republic, the safeguard of its democratic institutions, and the protection of national interests.

In this regard, it should be pointed out that the notion of national security has evolved from the conventional defence of the country to including the protection of Italy's political, military, economic, scientific and industrial interests.

As to functions, intelligence is described as a cycle of actions originating from the general objectives identified by government authorities. It involves three essential phases.

The first phase involves the acquisition of information, through search, collection and evaluation of data which can be acquired from a large number of sources, ranging from single individuals to the use of sophisticate equipment. A significant role is now being played by open sources, such as mass media and the internet.

The second phase consists in handling information and constitutes the intelligence's distinctive feature as it transforms raw information in true intelligence.

The third phase involves providing government authorities not only with mere information, but also with reports, analyses, and assessments useful for the decision-making process or the actions to undertake.

On the other hand, today’s extension of the concept of national security includes public administrations and bodies among the recipients of intelligence.