What does the Pentagon’s Insider Threat Program aim to do?

The Pentagon’s Insider Threat Program is designed specifically to detect and mitigate risks posed by insiders, which includes current or former employees, contractors, or any individuals with inside knowledge of an organization’s operations and sensitive information. This initiative focuses on identifying potential threats before they can manifest into actual incidents, thereby safeguarding national security and sensitive data.

Insider threats can come from well-intentioned employees who may inadvertently mishandle information or from those with malicious intent. The program emphasizes proactive measures, such as monitoring behavior, implementing access controls, and fostering a culture of reporting suspicious activities. This comprehensive approach helps to reduce the likelihood of insider threats and ensures a robust protective environment for classified and sensitive information within the Department of Defense.

Other options reflect misunderstandings of the program's core objectives. For example, encouraging the sharing of sensitive information or providing unrestricted access to all employees contradicts the necessity of safeguarding critical data. Similarly, eliminating all forms of information sharing is impractical and counterproductive, as effective and secure sharing is vital for operational efficiency and collaboration within the defense sector.