# DCSA Flags Hiring Counterintelligence Risks

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s FY2025 reporting identified workforce recruitment and professional engagement as potential counterintelligence exposure points, citing approximately 2,900 incidents involving foreign entities seeking sensitive information or technology and more than 22,000 suspicious-contact reports. For procurement professionals and contractors, these findings highlight risks associated with hiring and workforce interactions involving sensitive programs. Agencies and contractors should strengthen practical guidance and coordination among HR, hiring managers, personnel security, and counterintelligence teams while avoiding screening burdens that could further delay hiring scarce technical talent.

- Contractors supporting sensitive government work should assess whether hiring and professional-engagement guidance is coordinated across HR, personnel security, and counterintelligence functions.
- The reported incident and contact volumes make workforce-related exposure relevant to contract risk management, especially where employees may access sensitive information or technology.
- The signal does not announce a new contract or mandate; it points to a need for practical safeguards that balance counterintelligence awareness with timely recruitment.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** October 15, 2026

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

### Sources
- [The next counterintelligence threat may be hiding in federal hiring - Government Executive](https://www.govexec.com/defense/2026/10/next-counterintelligence-threat-federal-hiring/416588) - GovExec.com