The book presents the history of the confrontation between US intelligence and the intelligence services of the leading countries of the world, and primarily the KGB of the USSR, through the unusual prism of the secret activities of scientists, engineers and officers of the CIA Operational and Technical Service. The authors, recognized experts in the history of intelligence and spy equipment, reveal the secrets of the creation and use of one of the most sophisticated and hidden spy tools - special-purpose devices. Microphoto technology, camouflage, covert surveillance, walls that acquire “ears” at the right moment, control of human consciousness is a battlefield on which the struggle between superpowers is no less fierce than on the “spy front line.” Most of the stories told in the book were kept in archives for many years under the heading “Secret”, and today we have a rare opportunity to learn in detail about the most complex and unique intelligence operations, the success or failure of which depended 90% on “invisible heroes”. scientists and engineers.