QUANTICO, Va. -- The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) will support Department of the Air Force efforts heading into the seventh annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM) in September, with a continued focus on protecting Air Force and Space Force people and assets.
As the Department’s federal law enforcement and counterintelligence agency, AFOSI works year-round to deter, detect, and mitigate threats from within, and NITAM provides an opportunity to amplify that mission across the DAF.
This year’s NITAM theme, Partnering for Progress, highlights ways to prevent insider threats by working across the defense and security community, including the Air Force, Space Force, other military services, federal agencies and industry partners.
“This September marks the seventh annual National Insider Threat Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to bolster our security posture, strengthen our Insider Threat Programs, and ensure a trusted workforce,” said John P. Dixon, director for Defense Intelligence (Counterintelligence, Law Enforcement and Security), in a release.
Scheduled events
The campaign is scheduled to include several key engagements. For example, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s (DCSA) National Insider Threat Awareness Month Forum, hosted by the Department of Defense Insider Threat Management and Analysis Center (DITMAC), Aug. 18 -19, is planned to bring together insider threat and security professionals to collaborate and exchange best practices.
“AFOSI will have a presence at both events to engage with peers across the insider threat community, share perspectives and strengthen the partnerships that are essential to protecting the [DAF] from threats within,” said Special Agent Sam Gross, AFOSI Insider Threat Branch chief.
Then, in mid-September, the 10th National Insider Risk Symposium, formerly the Counter-Insider Threat Symposium, will bring together leaders and experts from the commercial and public sectors to address the evolving insider risk landscape, focusing on detection, rapid response and proactive security measures.
Additional NITAM engagements are scheduled throughout September including events at the Pentagon and the Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia.
According to Gross, bringing together professionals from different backgrounds is essential to staying ahead of evolving threats.
“When it comes to navigating the wickets of insider threats, it’s rarely straightforward,” he added. “Someone might be in the Army Reserve but serve as a civilian employee for the DAF and be stationed on a Navy installation. Every situation is different.”
That’s why, he added, AFOSI works closely with agency counterparts across the DOD and other federal agencies, “to ensure no matter where a potential threat emerges, the right people are engaged, the right information is shared and the right actions are taken to protect the mission,” he said.
Year-round prevention
According to Gross, AFOSI’s commitment to insider threat prevention is reflected not only during NITAM, but in year-round outreach and operational engagements. "Our commitment to countering insider threats extends well beyond NITAM," Gross said. "It’s part of our mission every day.”
For example, earlier this month AFOSI Recruiting and the AFOSI Insider Threat Branch participated in the 2025 Joint All-Hazards Response Exposition at the Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Main Exchange. The event was sponsored by the Joint Task Force–National Capital Region (JTF-NCR).
“The expo brought together DOD and interagency law enforcement, antiterrorism, insider threat, counterintelligence, emergency management and public safety programs in a single venue,” he said. “Through outreach efforts, static displays, visual aids and live demonstrations, the event promoted heightened vigilance across the DoD community and reinforced security messages such as ‘see something, say something.’”
These engagements were designed to strengthen prevention, protection, deterrence and response capabilities against a range of threat vectors within the JTF-NCR area.
“We are here to help identify and address these concerns early, connect individuals with support when possible and prevent harmful acts before they occur,” he said, adding that insider threats prevention relies on awareness and timely reporting.
Potential indicators can include declining job performance, disciplinary actions, unreported foreign connections, unauthorized access to systems or data, unusual network activity, unexplained affluence, substance abuse, criminal conduct or concerning psychological or behavioral changes.
However, he added, those indicators do not automatically mean someone is an insider threat, but they may point to an elevated risk.
“The more accurate and detailed the information, the faster we can assess the situation and determine the right course of action,” Gross said. “Your report, no matter how small it may seem, could be the key to preventing a serious insider threat incident.”
Reports can be submitted anonymously, and reporter identities are protected under Department of Defense Insider Threat Management and Analysis Center protocols.
When making a report, members are encouraged to use the “SALUTE” method to capture key details: Size of the group, Activity observed, Location, Uniform or clothing, Time of occurrence and Equipment involved.
“Every Airman, Guardian and civilian is part of our defense network,” Gross said. “By staying alert, sharing information and reporting suspicious behavior, you help safeguard our people, our resources and our mission. Through Partnering for Progress, together we are safeguarding tomorrow, today.”
For more information on National Insider Threat Awareness Month 2025, visit https://securityawareness.dcsa.mil/cdse/nitam/index.html. To report a concern, contact your local AFOSI detachment, use the DoD Insider Threat Reporting Portal, or visit https://www.osi.af.mil/Submit-a-Tip/.