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Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 19 > No. 2 (2026)

 

Author Biography

Dr. Jazma Mekelle Parker is the President & CEO of Parker Sentinel Defense Solutions, LLC and Director of Security and Facility Security Officer for DigiFlight Inc. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and has 17 years of experience supporting Department of Defense and intelligence community programs. Her background includes service as a Contract Background Investigator, Adjudicator, and Chief of Security for ISR programs in Afghanistan. As a subject matter expert in industrial, personnel, and communications security, Dr. Parker’s contributions span high-stakes defense operations and insider threat mitigation. She is a published scholar and recipient of multiple national security commendations.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.19.2.2498

Subject Area Keywords

Counterterrorism, Cybersecurity, National security, Security policy, Threat assessment

Abstract

Insider threats pose significant risks to critical assets within the United States. The US intelligence community has already experienced the consequences of insider compromise, such as the unauthorized release of classified material to WikiLeaks and foreign adversaries. Traditional mitigation strategies have struggled to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape. This article recommends updated interventions to detect and prevent insider threats within the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. A review of current research and best practices reveals three targeted strategies. First, organizations must prioritize the detection and reporting of anomalous behaviors that often precede insider incidents. Achieving this requires broad workforce involvement, engaged leadership, and a resilient security culture. Second, comprehensive risk assessments should enhance traditional background investigations by focusing on vulnerabilities linked to specific assets. Third, implementing and enforcing a social media policy can reduce susceptibility to social engineering and ideological manipulation. By aligning interventions with organizational risk profiles and behavioral patterns, agencies can proactively reduce insider compromise. A prevention-oriented approach, grounded in behavioral insight and workforce empowerment, offers the most effective defense against this evolving and persistent national security threat.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to express her deep appreciation to Dr. Melanye Vernita Smith, who served as a trusted mentor and advisor throughout her doctoral journey and beyond. Dr. Smith’s unwavering support, scholarly guidance, and personal encouragement, beginning with her role on the author’s dissertation committee at Walden University and continuing to the present day, have been instrumental in the pursuit of this publication. Her belief in the value of this work has inspired the author to move forward with confidence and purpose. The author also acknowledges the brave men and women she served alongside in Afghanistan during the global war on terrorism. Their sacrifices, service, and shared commitment to protecting national security have shaped the foundation of this study. This work is dedicated to all who continue to defend our nation from within and beyond.

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