WASHINGTON – Employees at US federal agencies across the board are undergoing training this week to combat information leaks.
In a memo signed by White House National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster dated September 8, which was sent to cabinet officials, directors, and administrators across the federal government, McMaster detailed the severe danger leaks cause. The memo was originally reported by BuzzFeed earlier this month.
“The unauthorized disclosure of classified information or controlled unclassified United States Government information causes harm to our Nation and shakes the confidence of the American people,” McMaster wrote. “In this era of unprecedented unauthorized disclosures, it is important to take time to review with your workforce their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding United States Government information.”
McMaster adds that “in order to ensure a consistent and strong message is given to the entire federal workforce, such training should occur the week of September 18-22, 2017.”
The memo also includes links to video clips of Attorney General Jeff Sessions calling for an end to leaks, as well as a video clip of Fox Business network anchor Trish Regan who was interviewing William Evanina on Fox News. Evanina is the current executive officer of the United States Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive (ONCIX).
According to a source who underwent training this week, the hour-long training also included a PowerPoint presentation about the potential penalties for leaking, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, and how leaks can damage national security.
Read the entire original memo here.