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Awareness/Resources

Identify Academic Solicitation 

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) defines Academic Solicitation as the use of students, professors, scientists or researchers as collectors improperly attempting to obtain sensitive or classified information. These attempts can include requests for, or arrangement of, peer or scientific board reviews of academic papers or presentations; requests to study or consult with faculty members; requests for and access to software and dual-use technology; or applications for admission into academic institutions, departments, majors, or programs, as faculty members, students, fellows, or employees.

This may include requests from U.S. persons, or from foreign nationals located in the United States or abroad, and may consist of:

  • Unsolicited applications or requests for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate or other research positions.
  • Unsolicited requests for access to research papers or other research-related publications or documents.
  • Unsolicited requests for assistance with or review of thesis papers, draft publications or other research-related documents.
  • Unsolicited invitations to attend and/or present at international conferences.

Identify Intelligence Threats from Social Media

The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) released a video about social media and hostile actors posing as trusted individuals - read more and watch "The Nevernight Connection". 

The NSCS and FBI encourage basic cyber hygiene when using social media: 

  • Never accept an invitation to connect from someone you do not know, even if they are a friend of a friend
  • If possible, validate invitation requests through other means before accepting them
  • Exercise caution when posting information about yourself, your job and contacts on social media, as it could draw unwanted attention from adversaries and criminals
  • Report suspicious online approaches to appropriate authorities

Practice Travel Security 

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has issued a brochure and a travel awareness video aimed at privacy and security for international travel. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued several brochures aimed and safety and security of international travel.