August 23, 2023

Colleagues:

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency is partnering with the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, National Insider Threat Task Force, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and insider threat community stakeholders to support the fifth annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM) during September 2023. NITAM emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our nation by detecting, deterring, and mitigating insider threats.

The theme for 2023’s NITAM is "Bystander Engagement," supporting the Department’s priority to take care of people, while emphasizing that everyone has a responsibility to recognize insider threat indicators and understand reporting requirements as defined in the Secretary of Defense’s March 2, 2023 "Message to the Force."

Recent security incidents highlight the lifetime obligation of DoD employees, Military Service members, and contractor personnel to safeguard classified information and to remain vigilant in their commitment to protecting themselves and their colleagues from myriad threats. This year’s NITAM theme promotes increased awareness for the workforce to identify, understand, and report potential behaviors of concern, and to engage and assist at-risk employees.

NITAM also focuses on the important roles that bystanders play in daily interactions. Insider threats are often hidden and pose a real threat to our nation and its security. Preventing and mitigating the risks posed by insider threats is everyone’s responsibility, and this is especially true for DCSA employees. Bystander engagement helps reinforce the principle of “when you see something, say something” by maintaining awareness of potential insider threat indicators to build a sense of accountability among all. Safeguarding our nation’s security is DCSA’s mission, and at the core of that mission is our number one asset, our Gatekeepers.

Throughout the month of September, organizations across DCSA and the Department will host and participate in NITAM events to reinforce the importance of bystander engagement. Suggested activities, products, and actions are posted on the NITAM 2023 website at https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cdse/nitam/index.html. Regardless of how you choose to participate, please know that your actions and contributions support our collective effort to identify and mitigate insider threats to our national security. Thank you for your dedication and continued hard work.

Sincerely,

William K. Leitzau
Director, Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency

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This September, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center will collaborate once again with departments and agencies across the executive branch to support the fifth annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM). Please join us in emphasizing the importance of detecting, deterring and mitigating insider risk, and ensuring our workforces remain vigilant against such threats.

Pursuant to Executive Order 13587, all federal departments and agencies with access to classified information are required to maintain a program to deter, detect and mitigate insider threats. Insider threat programs are multidisciplinary, typically involving security, information assurance, and human resources personnel, and operate in a confidential environment while adhering to workforce privacy and civil liberty protections. 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.

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 theme of this year’s NITAM is Bystander Engagement, a nod to the critical role each and every one of us serves in our insider threat defenses. 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. Every individual who participates in Bystander Engagement strengthens our protection from potential insider threats, and NITAM is an opportunity to bolster those defenses by promoting awareness programs and training opportunities.

Every organization across the U.S. Government is encouraged to participate in NITAM. Suggested activities include distributing educational materials, holding information sessions, encouraging personnel to engage, and hosting an Insider Threat Awareness Day. For more information about NIT AM and Bystander Engagement, please visit https://www.dni.gov/index.php/ncsc-how-we-work/ncsc-nittf and https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cdse/nitam/index.html.

Mirriam-Grace C. MacIntyre
Senior Official Performing the Duties of
Director, NCSC

July 23, 2023

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