Cognitive and Affective Eye Tracking Metrics for Detecting Insider Threat: A Study of Simulated Espionage

Insider Threat (IT) is a growing cybersecurity issue. Countermeasures based on cognitive engineering may utilize diagnostic eye fixation responses indicative of insider intent, elicited by Active Indicator Probes (AIPs). The current study embedded AIPs into an immersive simulation of espionage activities. Participants allocated to an insider role were required to monitor building images for cues to a terrorist person-of-interest, and communicate information to an external handler. Control participants performed matched normal work. Findings confirmed a previous finding that ITs show fixation responses suggestive of strategic concealment of interest. They also showed heightened attention to communications from their local controller. These results may contribute to identification of possible ITs for further screening.