NCJ Number
218366
Journal
Journal of Police Crisis Negotations Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: 2007 Pages: 103-111
Date Published
2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the nature of "insider" threats to an organization (employees who sabotage or otherwise damage organizational operations and facilities) and the components of a strategy for addressing these threats.
Abstract
One area of "insider" threat pertains to computer systems and information resources. Other "insider" threats can cause damage to an organization's total facilities, employees, the surrounding region, and local communities. Such threats pertain to those industries and government facilities that deal with and/or process materials that can cause a catastrophic impact, such as nuclear weapons, nuclear energy, hazardous chemicals, biological sources, and explosives. In establishing a program to address "insider" threats, an organization should first determine the damage likely to result from various kinds of "insider" attacks. The organization can then select from among various countermeasures. One preventive measure is a medical examination of employees who are involved in stressful, strenuous, and/or laborious activities. Another component of a battery of countermeasures is a psychiatric examination for all employees involved in strategic and potentially dangerous aspects of an organization's operations. Periodic psychological examinations can detect early signs of anxiety development and impaired behaviors. Other preventive options are testing for illegal drug use and alcohol abuse, personnel security reviews, and training of employees in how to recognize the emergence of attitudes and behaviors that may escalate into attacks on company operations and property. An employee rehabilitation program should also be established to help employees who show signs of impaired or hostile behavior that could result in harm to the organization and its work. 3 references