Enhancing Insider Threat Protections for NASA’s Unclassified Systems

Improving Insider Threat Protection for NASA’s Unclassified Systems

In an era of heightened cyber risks and increasing concerns over foreign interference, it’s essential for federal agencies like NASA to strengthen security across all data systems, including unclassified ones. While federal insider threat programs often focus on classified systems, extending protections to unclassified systems may enhance cybersecurity maturity and better shield valuable resources. NASA’s Office of Protective Services and Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) are exploring this expansion, weighing both potential security gains and the logistical hurdles of staff shortages, limited technical resources, and funding needs.

Why Expand Insider Threat Programs to Unclassified Systems?

Federal agencies typically prioritize insider threat programs for classified data and systems, where the risk of data leakage and foreign interference is highest. However, NASA’s unclassified systems support many critical functions, from internal communications to project management and external collaborations. While unclassified, these systems remain vulnerable to unauthorized access, inadvertent misuse, or data theft. Enhancing insider threat protections for these systems can help NASA:

1. Close Security Gaps: Unclassified systems often host essential administrative, scientific, and operational information that could be leveraged by insiders or external actors for harmful purposes.
2. Strengthen the Agency's Cybersecurity Posture: By focusing on all potential avenues of attack, including unclassified systems, NASA can create a more comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
3. Increase Resilience Against Emerging Threats: Addressing the vulnerabilities in unclassified systems adds an extra layer of defense, helping the Agency adapt to the changing threat landscape.

Challenges in Expanding the Program

While expanding insider threat protections to include unclassified systems offers clear benefits, NASA officials are mindful of several challenges that must be addressed for successful implementation.

1. Staffing Shortages

Implementing a robust insider threat program across all systems would require additional personnel, including specialists in cybersecurity, data analytics, and threat detection. Addressing staffing limitations through targeted hiring or training will be crucial for NASA to effectively monitor unclassified systems for potential threats.

2. Technical Resource Constraints

Extending protections to unclassified systems will require technical upgrades, such as advanced monitoring tools, automated alerts, and analytics platforms capable of processing large volumes of unclassified data. However, these expansions hinge on resource availability, especially given that technical infrastructure is often prioritized for classified systems.

3. Funding Limitations

Allocating budget for insider threat programs is challenging, especially when funding is traditionally directed toward high-priority areas. Given the potential impact on procurement, IT upgrades, and training, securing financial resources will be essential to support a broader insider threat framework that includes unclassified systems.

Cross-Disciplinary Complexity: A Holistic Approach

Expanding insider threat protections for unclassified systems requires coordination across NASA’s various offices. The Office of Protective Services and OCIO are primary stakeholders in managing and securing unclassified systems, while the Office of Procurement oversees agency contracts, and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer handles grants and cooperation agreements. This cross-discipline collaboration is essential, as each office manages different risks associated with unclassified data.

By promoting interdepartmental communication and accountability, NASA can identify unique vulnerabilities, strengthen administrative processes, and ensure all unclassified systems receive adequate protection.

Conducting a Comprehensive Insider Threat Risk Assessment

To effectively assess risks to unclassified systems, NASA should conduct a full insider threat risk assessment that encompasses both technical vulnerabilities and human factors. This proactive measure will help the Agency:

1. Identify Gaps in Current Security Measures: A comprehensive assessment can reveal specific weaknesses or oversights in existing policies for unclassified systems.
2. Optimize Resource Allocation: By understanding the specific risk profile of unclassified systems, NASA can make informed decisions on where to invest in upgrades, training, and personnel to maximize security benefits.
3. Enhance Collaboration Across Offices: An in-depth assessment facilitates improved communication between departments, supporting the development of a unified strategy for insider threat management across all NASA systems.

Taking Action to Secure Unclassified Systems Against Insider Threats

Expanding NASA’s insider threat protections to unclassified systems is a proactive step toward a more resilient security posture. For the Agency to remain agile in the face of growing cyber threats, several incremental actions can be taken, such as:

• Implementing Targeted Monitoring on High-Risk IT Systems: Rather than monitoring all unclassified systems uniformly, NASA can start by focusing on those systems identified as high-risk.
• Enhancing Training for High-Risk Personnel: Conducting specialized security awareness training for personnel working on unclassified systems can improve threat detection and response capabilities across the organization.
• Leveraging Automated Tools for Threat Detection: Deploying automated threat detection solutions, such as NASA’s Phishing Simulator, can help monitor user behavior and flag unusual activity without requiring significant manual oversight.

Building a More Secure Future with Comprehensive Insider Threat Protection

The insider threat landscape continues to evolve, and federal agencies are tasked with adapting to ensure their security protocols are up-to-date and resilient. By addressing insider threat risks within unclassified systems, NASA has the opportunity to build a more robust cybersecurity framework that protects all aspects of its mission.

Editor’s note: This blog was updated November 7, 2024