Government operations and workforce

Executive Order 13587: Structural Reforms To Improve the Security of Classified Networks and the Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of Classified Information

President: Barack Obama

Created senior oversight and a national task force to prevent insider threats while preserving responsible information sharing.

Status: In effect.

Is Executive Order 13587 still in effect? Yes. Active government-wide insider-threat and classified-network safeguarding framework.

What does Executive Order 13587 do?

EO 13587 responded to major unauthorized disclosures by requiring coordinated security standards for classified computer networks. It created a Senior Information Sharing and Safeguarding Steering Committee and the National Insider Threat Task Force, directed agency self-assessments and independent reviews, and required minimum insider-threat programs. NITTF continues training, assistance and assessments under the order.

Administration position: The order requires risk-based monitoring and safeguarding but does not cancel privacy, whistleblower or civil-liberties protections.
SignedOctober 7, 2011
Task force co-chairsAttorney General and DNI
CoverageAgencies with classified networks or information

Before and after

Before the order

Classified-network security and insider-threat practices varied across agencies after large-scale disclosures.

After the order

Binding minimum standards, agency programs, assessments and senior oversight were organized government-wide.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
NITTFDevelop standards training assistance and assessmentsContinuing
AgenciesOperate insider-threat programs and assess safeguardsContinuing
Steering CommitteeSet priorities and resolve interagency issuesContinuing framework

What happened next

EO 13587 issued.

National Insider Threat Policy and minimum standards followed.