Industrial Security Activities

The Industrial Security Activities program, managed by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), is designed to safeguard critical technologies and ensure a trusted workforce within federal and industrial sectors. It aims to protect against unauthorized technology transfers by adversaries through the Critical Technology Protection Integration Cell (CTPIC). CTPIC acts as a central hub for assessments, coordination, and information sharing related to technology protection across various stages of research and development. The initiative focuses on leveraging advanced data access and analysis tools to prioritize resources effectively and engage in targeted threat mitigation.

Another key component of the program is the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS). ARLIS provides strategic research and development solutions to address complex intelligence and security challenges. By integrating expertise in human behavior, social sciences, culture, language, and emerging technologies, ARLIS enhances the capabilities of the Defense Security Enterprise (DSE). The program supports projects like developing a playbook for defense contractors to utilize classified cloud services, thereby improving security measures and operational efficiency.

In fiscal year 2024, the program plans to maintain access to critical data sources through CTPIC while continuing to develop tools that deliver threat information in a usable format for stakeholders. This effort supports a whole-of-government approach to protecting critical technologies. Meanwhile, ARLIS will focus on core research projects that align with the DSE strategy, enhancing its capacity for innovation. However, there is a noted decrease in funding from FY 2024 to FY 2025 due to realignment of resources to other priorities within the agency.

The Industrial Security Activities program seeks to advance America's strategic edge by blending technology protection with personnel vetting and counterintelligence efforts. Through initiatives like CTPIC and ARLIS, the program aims to foster an environment where industry can deliver uncompromised capabilities while addressing increasingly technical security challenges.