The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), commonly known as MI6, is the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence service. Its primary role is to gather intelligence from outside the UK to help protect national security and support government decisions. The agency works to identify and counter threats such as terrorism, espionage, and cyber attacks. Founded in 1909, the SIS operates under the authority of the UK government and collaborates with other intelligence agencies, including the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and the Security Service (MI5). The agency's work is often secretive, and its operations are conducted in various countries around the world.