September marks the annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM). NITAM is a campaign that aims to educate both government and industry about the risks posed by insider threats. Initiated in 2019, NITAM has grown to become a global campaign, involving thousands of security professionals and policymakers from 25 countries. This year, the focus is on bystander engagement, a theme that emphasises the importance of individual awareness and action in mitigating insider threats.
The campaign is organised by the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security, the National Insider Threat Task Force, and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). It provides serves as a platform for stakeholder organisations to build upon previous successes and expand the campaign’s impact. Participating organisations focus on increasing awareness and promoting the reporting of insider threats across their workforces.
This year’s theme, bystander engagement, revolves around the concept of an engaged bystander—an individual who is aware of concerning behaviours within an organisation and knows how to act upon those concerns. Thus, unlike passive observers, engaged bystanders take proactive steps to report or intervene when they notice suspicious activities, thereby playing a crucial role in preventing potential insider threats.
National Insider Threat Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing risks posed by insider threats. The focus on bystander engagement for this year’s campaign highlights the critical role each individual plays in creating a secure and resilient organisation. By fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, organisations can significantly mitigate the risks associated with insider threats.
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