ODNI: One of our most effective countermeasures for mitigating such risks is workforce awareness. Image: Mehaniq/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffSeptember is “National Insider Threat Awareness Month,” the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has reminded agencies in a memo urging them to promote this year’s theme of “bystander engagement.”
“As recent headlines have confirmed, insiders who misuse their authorized access to share and publicize classified information continue to cause great harm to our national security and diplomatic relations. Among our most effective countermeasures for mitigating such risks is workforce awareness, and equipping personnel to identify potential insider threats and take action when appropriate,” the memo says.
“It is not uncommon for employees to witness troubling conduct among their peers and colleagues, including discrimination, bullying, or sexual harassment, or to sense a potential for violence. In such cases, employees must be more than mere spectators, and should either directly intervene or advise the proper authorities,” it says.
It adds: “Insider threat awareness programs do not curtail free speech or suppress legitimate whistleblowing, but instead promote early intervention, and the recognition and reporting of concerning behaviors, with the objective of reducing risk to organizations.”
The memo includes links to resources for suggested activities such as distributing educational materials, holding information sessions, encouraging personnel to engage and hosting an insider threat awareness day.
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