[mox1]

When the government hires a 3rd party (aka "Contractor"), that party signs lots of agreements and adheres to very strict rules, especially when they are allowed to handle classified information. It takes years for a new company to win a contract, setup the facilities, clear the people, etc.

This is basically an end around all of that. I doubt IronNet has any type of clearances to work on classified information. Furthermore, they are in the business of selling, brokering, etc. information that many times the US Govt considers classified (aka Harmful to US Interests if release).

Imagine this scenario. IronNet is "studying" an advanced hacking group and attempting to determine their TTPs (Again to make $$$, whitepapers, consulting, etc). So on Friday, NSA employee walks into the room and looks at their work. They can just ask "Are we on the right track?" He can simply shake his head yes/no..etc. Its like having the frickin Oracle in the room. You can do all kinds of dances so you don't reveal classified information, but help them.

This is obviously unethical at a minimum. If a lower level government employee did this, he would definitely be persecuted.