Mitigating Insider Threat in facilities with Nuclear and Radioactive Materials

Introduction

Threats to radioactive or nuclear materials can involve external or internal adversaries or both together in collusion. The external adversaries are those from outside the organization while the internal adversaries are from within the organization or other systems of the organization like contractors and service providers. An insider is any internal adversary who has authorized access (either escorted or unescorted) to protected areas, including managers, employees, service providers, visitors, inspectors. Insider threat is the potential for an insider to use their authorized access or understanding of an organization to harm that organization.

In Uganda, the Atomic Energy Council developed the Atomic Energy (Security of Radioactive Materials) Regulations, 2021 (ASR, 2021) to effectively regulate security of radioactive sources. The ASR, 2021 highlights the different regulatory requirements for security of radioactive sources. Specifically, Regulation 28(1) requires authorized persons to increase security measures in accordance with the threat (insider and external). Atomic Energy Council conducted a number of workshops with the operators of facilities with radioactive sources to equip them with knowledge and skills for radiation safety and nuclear security principles required during the entire lifetime of their radioactive sources including mitigation of insider threats.

Strategies for mitigation of insider threats

The insider threat may be mitigated by the following ways;

1. Maintain security awareness
2. Implement special programs (Structured Trusted Employee Program; Human Reliability Program; etc.)
3. Conduct supervisory reviews via observation and performance
4. Medical and psychological evaluation
5. Management decisions (for example initial or periodic drug testing)
6. Trusted official reviews of personnel (criminal or financial elements)
7. Implement physical controls such as;

• Barriers, access control points (effective outsider threat mitigation techniques)
• Compartmentalizing facilities and work areas
• Conduct atypical or non-routine assessments

The Africa Regional Insider Threat Mitigation Workshop

In a bid to promote awareness about insider threat mitigation, Atomic Energy Council (AEC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Office of National Security Advisor (ONSA), the United States Department of Energy’s Office of International Nuclear Security (INS) and Office of Radiological Security (ORS) organized the Africa Regional Insider Threat Mitigation Workshop for nuclear and other radioactive materials. The workshop was facilitated by a number of subject matter experts namely Mr. Dmitriy Nikonov, Ms. Dana O’Donnell, Mr. Alex Moe, Mr. Justin Engel and Dr. Stephen Dahunsi from the Office of Radiological Security, U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration.

The workshop was attended by 28 participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda at Sheraton Hotel from September 26-29, 2022. Through the workshop, there was increased awareness of the fundamentals of insider threat mitigation, the progression of insider and nuclear security culture programs in addition to facilitating greater cooperation between partners across the region.

The workshop was a hybrid event of in-person attendees and virtual participants. It comprised of presentations, panel discussions, video case studies and table-top group exercises with the guidance of the experts. With robust nuclear security measures at the facilities with radioactive sources, insider threats can be managed within organizations that are applying nuclear and radioactive material.

Report a Radiation Incident

If you suspect that an incident or an accident may have involved a radioactive material, please report to the nearest police station and to the Atomic Energy Council on the contacts provided below. Stay as far away from the scene of the incident as possible.

Atomic Energy Council, Plot 40, Bukoto Street, P.O Box 7044, Kampala. Tel: +256-417 101700 Toll free: 0800100488 Website: www. atomiccouncil.go.ug Email: admin@atomiccouncil.go.ug