August 30, 2022

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 fourth annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM) during September 2022. NIT AM, now in its fourth year, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our nation by detecting, deterring, and mitigating insider threats.

The theme for 2022's NITAM is "Critical Thinking in Digital Spaces." Critical thinking in a digital society is a skill that all security professionals must develop, especially as we become more reliant on technology. A key component of insider threat prevention is to develop increased awareness and understanding of hidden dangers. Critical thinking helps individuals become more attuned and less susceptible to such dangers, including social engineering, solicitation by adversaries (foreign and domestic), and harmful information.

Many unsuspecting individuals and organizations have fallen victim to the tactics deployed by malicious actors. Individuals and organizations must achieve a greater understanding of how virtual platforms can be exploited and how to spot efforts to intentionally manipulate perceptions. During the past 2 years, the workforce has been faced with the challenges of remaining connected during a global pandemic, to include balancing the need for digital spaces while recognizing its dangers. In digital spaces, it is more challenging to distinguish between legitimate coworkers and malicious actors using phishing techniques to acquire proprietary or sensitive information. The digital environment has led to more interactions on social media, making individuals more vulnerable to deception.

I encourage everyone to participate in NITAM activities this September as a way to educate the workforce on the importance of critical thinking in digital spaces. Suggested activities, products, and actions are outlined on the NITAM 2022 web page at https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cdse/nitam/index.html. Whatever activities or engagements you choose, actions both large and small will contribute to the ultimate goal of securing the Federal Government from insider threats. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

William K. Leitzau
Director, Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency

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June 27, 2022

During September 2022 the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's National Counterintelligence and Security Center will work collaboratively with departments and agencies across the federal government to support the fourth annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month, which emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our nation by detecting, deterring, and mitigating insider risk.

Our trusted workforces (our insiders) are some of the most valuable assets in our nation, but they face an increasingly challenging risk environment. From the disruptions to work and home life wrought by the global pandemic, to adversary efforts to coopt or exploit vulnerable employees, the risks for espionage, violence, unauthorized disclosure, and even unwitting insider threat actions are higher than ever. It is imperative that we arm our trusted insiders with the resources and skills to counter increasingly sophisticated efforts to exploit our personnel, information, and resources.

Maintaining effective insider threat programs is critical to supporting our workforces and reducing their vulnerabilities. As you know, 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 comprised of multidisciplinary teams that address threats while protecting the privacy and civil liberties of the workforce, maximizing organizational trust, and ensuring positive workplace cultures that foster diversity and inclusion. Insider threat programs also provide an array of resources to support public and private sector organizations, decreasing vulnerabilities and increasing the resilience of their valued personnel.

Participating in National Insider Threat Awareness Month will help public and private sector organizations more effectively deter, detect, and mitigate insider threats by increasing awareness and promoting reporting. Most insider threats emerge over time, with concerning behaviors evident prior to negative workplace actions. Insider threat awareness is not about curtailing free speech or suppressing legitimate whistleblowing, but about recognizing and reporting behaviors of concern to provide opportunities for early intervention, leading to positive outcomes for at-risk individuals and reduced risk to organizations.

I look forward to your participation in National Insider Threat Awareness Month this September and encourage you take advantage of the many tools and resources that will be made available. There are many ways to get involved. For a list of events and resources as well as suggestions for activities at your organization, please visit National Insider Threat Awareness Month 2022 (usalearning.gov).

Michael J. Olando
Senior Official Performing the Duties
of the Director, NCSC

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August 3, 2022

Throughout the month of September, the Department of Defense (DoD) will conduct a series of events for the fourth annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM), which emphasizes the importance of protecting our most valuable asset - our people - from insider risks. Our trusted workforce faces an increasingly challenging threat environment, exacerbated by the effects of the global pandemic and sophisticated adversary efforts to exploit vulnerable personnel. Maintaining effective insider threat programs, coupled with appropriate training, awareness, and resilience, are vital to supporting and empowering our workforce and reducing vulnerabilities.

This year, the Department's theme is: Critical Thinking for Digital Spaces. Increasing the workforce's awareness of manipulated information and attempts at online social engineering is critical to ensuring our trusted workforce remains resilient and vigilant against these threats. It is increasingly imperative that we arm our trusted insiders with the skills to counter increasingly sophisticated attempts to exploit our personnel, information, and resources.

NITAM is an opportunity for all Department personnel to gain knowledge and become familiar with resources to detect, engage, and assist at-risk employees. I solicit your participation and support for this comprehensive event as well as your support for the counterinsider threat activities and training efforts conducted throughout the year for all related programs. Suggested actions and activities are available from the Center for Development of Security Excellence at https://securityawareness.usaleaming.gov/cdse/itawareness/index.html. Your leadership and support are vital to the safety and security of DoD personnel and resources.

Ronald S. Moultrie
Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security

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