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News | Sept. 21, 2021

See something, say something

By Stephen Hickok DCMA Public Affairs

Insider threats can cause significant damage to our people and national security. The Defense Contract Management Agency and the Department of Defense take the obligation to protect people and assets seriously, whether the threats come from internal or external sources. Effective insider threat mitigation requires a coordinated and consolidated approach to security policies and reporting potential threats.

The DoD Insider Threat Program is designed to prevent, deter, detect and mitigate actions by malicious insiders who represent a threat to national security or DoD personnel, facilities, operations and resources through the integration and synchronization of the full range of security, counterintelligence, cybersecurity, civilian and military personnel management, workplace violence, emergency management, law enforcement and antiterrorism programs.

All DCMA employees play a part in keeping the DoD safe from insider threats. National Insider Threat Awareness Month is held each September to increase agency employee awareness.

This year's theme, Cultural Awareness, focuses on promoting resilience and vigilance to help counter potential threats. We invite every DCMA employee to visit the agency Insider Threat webpage to learn about the impact cultural awareness has on insider threats as well as to access videos, games and activities to help promote awareness in the workplace: https://360.intranet.dcma.mil/Directorate/PH-DC/DCS/Pages/NITAM.aspx.

Frequently asked questions:

Who is an insider?

Any person with authorized access to DoD resources by virtue of employment, volunteer activities, or contractual relationship with DoD.

What is an insider Threat?
The threat an insider will use her or his authorized access, wittingly or unwittingly, to do harm to the security of the United States. This can include damage to the United States through espionage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of national security information, or through the loss or degradation of departmental resources or capabilities.

Are all insider threats malicious or intentional?
No. An insider threat may be “unwitting” if the insider is unaware that his or her actions or behaviors are exposing the United States to an elevated risk of harm or loss, perhaps through lack of training or negligence.

I don’t work with classified information. Is my office still vulnerable to insider threats?
Yes. There is no environment immune from the potential of insider threats. Insiders can threaten not only classified information but also sensitive information that can disrupt or harm individuals, U.S. resources, infrastructure or economy.

Are insiders as dangerous as external threats?
There should be no doubt that insiders present an equal threat to that posed by external actors. Their access and familiarity with the government’s policies, security procedures and technologies provide insiders opportunities to do great harm.

What should be reported as an Insider Threat and how do you make a report?
For more information about what types of activities can be deemed an insider threat and to learn about making a report, visit the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency website at: https://www.dcsa.mil/contact/insider-threat-program/