Do Innovative Thinkers Pose An Increased Insider Threat?: A Preliminary Analysis
Abstract
The malicious insider threat is one of the most nefarious of potential cyber security breaches. There have been egregious insider data thefts in the last 10 years within the government. The Unintentional Insider Threat (UIT)the individual who is incompetent or careless and accidentally divulges sensitive informationis also a major concern. Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) expends considerable effort to identify both forms of insider threats. Meanwhile, the DoD hopes to recruit innovative information technology personnel to better meet current and emerging cyber threats to national security. Although in its infancy, organizations like the Defense Innovation Unit represent this focused effort. This thesis investigates whether innovative personnel will pose increased insider threat potential. Our preliminary conclusion is that innovative people would not pose more of a malicious insider threat, but the UIT and innovator share one trait together: risk taking. Furthermore, mental health issues and disgruntlement are two traits shared by UIT and malicious insiders. The DoD should explore screening personnel for risk-taking traits, for example with the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Finally, the DoD should continue to be alert to mental health issues, and first line supervisors should intervene quickly to help disgruntled employees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1080273
Entities
People
- Adam Humphrey
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School