Some maritime workers are being required to pay up in order to increase security. It begs the question, how much should individual employees be required to invest in organizational security, especially in the government, and would you pay for a Common Access Card, the common network credential used in many defense department and government offices?
In 2006 the Department of Homeland Security created the Transportation Worker Identification Credential in order to improve oversight and protect access to American ports. In 2009, TWIC became required for anyone needing unescorted access to secure port areas. They cost approximately $132 each, and are paid for by individual workers themselves or sometimes their labor unions. Yet two years after becoming a requirement most ports still don’t have the biometric readers to verify the credentials, and a May Government Accountability Office report accused the TWIC program of actually increasing vulnerabilities. Individuals were able to obtain credentials with false information and background checks are only occasionally used.
This month both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have criticized the program. Democrats are asking that workers not be asked to pay up for renewing their cards until biometric readers are in place. Republicans are criticizing the program’s management and the over 500 million the program has already cost.
As security becomes an increasingly prevalent concern, however, it begs the question if this is just the start in government, private sector and individual employees themselves bearing the burden of security. It also calls into question whether or not the TWIC program will encourage similar initiatives in other arenas, including the familiar CAC.
Would you pay up to increase your organization’s security?
Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com. She loves cybersecurity, social media, and the U.S. military. She used to use a CAC (and never left it in her card reader unattended…). Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Email editor@clearancejobs.com.
