Hey there! We recently had the chance to catch up with the experts from the Behavioral Threat Analysis Center (BTAC) and James Shappell, Director of the Insider Threat Management and Analysis Center (DITMAC) right here in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. They shared a few bits and pieces about their work, which revolves around analyzing insider threats and securing the cyber landscape.
If you aren’t in the know, BTAC is a relatively recent addition to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. This initiative came to life after the Secretary of Defense of the Department recommended ways to counter extremist activities. It’s a multi-disciplinary team with skills spanning from behavioral science and counterintelligence to cybersecurity and threat management. They also navigate the tricky waters of employee-management relations.
But let’s dive in into some of the fascinating work they do. According to Brannon Niesent, BTAC Chief, this work can be defined as “integral to supporting DITMAC’s ability to mitigate emerging and evolving insider threats”. For instance, their specialists use their expertise to guide Insider Threat and Prevention, Assistance and Response program case consultations.
But it doesn’t stop there. The BTAC team actively participates in interagency working groups and maintains strong ties with significant players such as the military services, the Department of Homeland Security, the Intelligence Community, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Just a short while ago, the BTAC team attended the inaugural “Insider Threat Analyst Forum” in Arlington, Va, where they got up close and personal with other professionals in their field. Among the attendees were experts from all sorts of areas who shared briefs on things like insider risk, potential risk indicators, and personnel security standards.
This forum was more than just a series of presentations. Attendees had the chance to tackle tabletop exercises where they applied theoretical concepts to real-world situations, sort of like a sandbox test for the big boys. Not only did this allow for the sharing of experiences and knowledge but also provided ample networking opportunities.
It was a fantastic occasion for discussing emerging capabilities, tools, and processes within the insider threat community. In this cybersecurity age, sharing information and reinforcing cooperation is crucial in holding the line against insider threats.
Cybersecurity is indeed a challenging field requiring constant vigilance, adaptability, and innovation. But with amazing teams like BTAC diving deep into these issues and such constructive exchanges as the forum, there’s hope for sturdier defenses against insider threats. So, for everyone out there looking out for our cyber security, keep the conversation going, keep learning, and keep up the fantastic work. Stay safe, Bay Area!
by Morgan Phisher | HEAL Security
