2027 International Symposium on Insider Threat Mitigation

Insider threats pose a significant risk to nuclear and other radioactive materials, as actors generally possess access, authority, and technical knowledge. These attributes create greater opportunities for bypassing nuclear and radiological security measures compared to external threats. In 2016, United States sponsored the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Information Circular 908 (INFCIRC/908) – Joint Statement on Mitigating Insider Threats to strengthen global efforts in this area.

INFCIRC/908 is organized around two primary commitments:

1. Supporting the IAEA in developing and implementing an advanced, practitioner-level training course on insider threat mitigation.
2. Implementing risk-informed, graded measures to mitigate insider risks.

Since this time, Belgium partnered with the United States to co-lead this effort and establish an International Working Group (IWG) on Insider Threat Mitigation. The IWG has a steering committee (SC) with up to twelve subscribing member states serving on a rotating basis. Thirty-eight countries plus INTERPOL currently subscribe to INFCIRC/908.

Following the first International Symposium in 2019, the SC established five focus groups (Security Culture, Cyber Security, Trust and Reliability, National Policy and Regulations, Physical Protection, and Technical Measures) to identify and address vulnerabilities posed by insider threats. The outcomes of the focus groups were highlighted at the second International Symposium in March 2024. Feedback from the 2024 Symposium led the International Working Group to refine areas of focus and to place emphasis on two critical themes: the growing impact of technology and human factors on insider threats.

In August 2024, Revision 1 of INFCIRC/908 was submitted to the IAEA and endorsed by sixteen Member States. This revision called for stronger support of IAEA insider-focused activities, broader implementation of risk-informed graded measures, and the systematic sharing of lessons learned. Building on this momentum, the SC developed a comprehensive workplan for 2025-2027 focused on impacts from technology and human factors with enhanced community engagement. Insights from the community of practice at the 2027 International Symposium will inform future priorities and workplans.

The 2027 International Symposium on Insider Threat Mitigation (2027 ITM Symposium) will offer a unique platform to:

• Reflect on the 10-year anniversary of INFCIRC/908, the progress the community has made in insider threat mitigation, and the direct international impacts of the IWG.
• Share ideas and exchange perspectives to detect, deter, mitigate, and respond to insider risks.
• Showcase INFCIRC/908 subscriber resources and commitments, including domestic and regional events.
• Discuss rapidly evolving technological and organizational landscapes and their impacts on insider threat mitigation policies and programs.
• Exchange views with other industries and academic professionals.
• Influence future topics of focus and methods of engagement for the IWG.
• Encourage additional subscribers to INFCIRC/908.

The symposium welcomes nominations at the director-level and below from:

• Ministries, agencies, and intergovernmental institutions that have jurisdiction over nuclear or radiological facilities and/or provide security assistance.
• Nuclear or radiological facility staff responsible for material security (management, users/operators, radiological safety/security officers). 
• Response organizations including law enforcement, military, fire brigade, and security services 
• Industry partners and scholars investigating insider vulnerabilities.