The Way Forward Against Insider Threats

Threats to nuclear facilities can involve outsiders, insiders or both together in collusion. An insider may be in any position at a facility, from the highest level employee to the lowest. The insider threats are found in nuclear facilities such as research reactors, nuclear power plants and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. The unauthorized removal of a large quantity or small quantities of nuclear material can be carried out during one event (abrupt theft) or several events (protracted theft with repeated action) respectively by insiders at targets. Insider threats present a unique problem and they may support terrorists. Insiders could take advantage of their access, complemented by their authority and knowledge of the facility, to bypass dedicated physical protection elements or other provisions such as safety, nuclear material control and accountancy (MC&A), and operating measures and procedures. Besides, insiders could be capable of defeating methods not available to outsiders. The best ways against insider threats should be found with suitable resources, preventive and protective approaches. (author)