Traitor In Our Midst? Here’s How to Tell

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The US Department of Defence (DoD) is bringing some foresight to the threat of information leakers and traitors. The DoD is building “a massive information-sharing system detailing national security personnel and individuals cleared for accessing US secrets,” to tackle “insider threats” and predict who of them might turn against their employer, share secrets, and betray their cause.

After the 2010 leak of classified diplomatic cables by former Pfc Chelsea Manning, a 2011 executive order named after the WikiLeaks organisation called for an “insider threat detection” programme. The “DoD Component Insider Threat Records System” is its execution.

The pentagon is gathering a team of “cross-functional experts” in law enforcement, privacy, cybersecurity, intelligence, psychology that will use new workflow technology to develop a holistic view into potential threats. They will be aided by data pulled from DoD employees’ social media presence and “user activity monitoring” of their digital activity at work. This could include screen captures, email content surveillance, keystroke logging, and more.

According to the privacy notice, the system will work under the following definition of insider threat:

“The threat that an insider will use his or her access, wittingly or unwittingly, to do harm to the security of the United States. This threat includes damage to the United States through espionage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of national security information, or the loss or degradation of government, company, contract or program information, resources, or capabilities.”

Not all are convinced, however. Michael German, a 16-year FBI veteran who now is a fellow with the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security Program, said :

“When you read the insider threat material, what they view as a threat is somebody reporting information about government activity to the press, which is, in a democratic society, not only important but necessary.”

Defence officials sought to reassure the public by saying only certain military-affiliated personnel who fall under appropriate criteria will be scrutinised under the system.  These include people eligible to hold sensitive DoD positions, those possessing security clearances, as well as National Guard members, civilian employees, and more.