# DCSA Highlights Foreign Exploitation Risks

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) released its 2026 annual report detailing over 2,900 incidents in fiscal year 2025 where foreign intelligence entities targeted cleared U.S. defense industry personnel and sensitive technologies. The report emphasizes exploitation through expert targeting and cyber operations, with primary concern regions including East Asia, the Pacific, and the Near East. DCSA urges cleared contractors and personnel to maintain heightened vigilance and timely reporting, while advancing security measures such as revised vetting processes and enhanced industrial base oversight.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals managing cleared contracts must prioritize security protocols to mitigate foreign exploitation risks highlighted by DCSA's report.
- The report signals potential increased requirements for contractor personnel vetting, security training, and incident reporting obligations.
- Organizations supporting cleared defense contracts should evaluate their compliance with evolving DCSA security standards and prepare for possible contract amendments reflecting these priorities.
- This environment may drive demand for security services, industrial base risk assessments, and technology protection solutions within the cleared defense sector.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)

### Sources
- [
	DCSA Report Details Foreign Efforts to Exploit Experts and Business Ties to Access Sensitive U.S. Technology and Information > Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency > News
](https://www.dcsa.mil/About-Us/News/Article/Article/4603722/dcsa-report-details-foreign-efforts-to-exploit-experts-and-business-ties-to-acc/) - DCSA
- [DCSA Report Examines Foreign Attempts to Access US Tech](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/dcsa-report-foreign-tech-threats-sensitive-us-info) - ExecutiveGov