Security Clearance Insecurity

Millions of jobs require a U.S. government security clearance. Getting or keeping one is an anxiety-inducing process shrouded in mystery, and sometimes, urban legend. From drug use and bankruptcy to cryptocurrencies and motorcycle gangs, we unpack all of your top (or most unexpected) security clearance questions. We also talk with some of the leading experts and government officials charged with overseeing the security clearance process and establishing security policies. Security Clearance Insecurity demystifies security clearances, delivers expert insight, and answers the questions you’d never ask at work. Hosted by ClearanceJobs.com's Lindy Kyzer and Sean Bigley, security clearance legal correspondent and regular ClearanceJobs contributor.

Security Clearance Insecurity is a government podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 120 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Security Clearance Insecurity, a government show with 120 episodes published.

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  Security Clearance Insecurity

  Could Veterans Soon Keep Their Security Clearance Eligibility Longer? Plus, Handling False Clearance Reports

  Aug 7, 202628 min

  Could security clearance holders soon have more time to return to government service after leaving the workforce? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer is joined by ClearanceJobs Content Director Jill Hamilton to discuss the proposal to extend the security clearance eligibility window for veterans from two years to five years, what it could mean for workforce mobility, taxpayer investment, and the future of Trusted Workforce 2.0. Then, security clearance attorney Elizabeth Baker-Pham joins the show to tackle one of the most anxiety-inducing topics for clearance holders: what happens when a former partner, coworker, or acquaintance reports you to the government out of spite? Learn how investigators evaluate allegations, why honesty and documentation matter, and the steps you should take if you're ever the target of a malicious or exaggerated report. Whether you're transitioning out of the military, navigating a career change, or worried about how personal relationships could affect your clearance, this episode breaks down what you need to know—and separates fact from fear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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  Security Clearance Insecurity

  Trusted Workforce 2.0: Closing the Continuous Vetting Gap with AI, Automation & Workforce Risk

  Jul 24, 202628 min

  Trusted Workforce 2.0 has transformed personnel vetting, but implementation is still catching up. In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, ClearanceJobs' Lindy Kyzer sits down with Aarti Smith, CEO of Chainbridge Solutions, to explore how continuous vetting is changing workforce risk management across the federal government—and why automation, AI, and modern personnel security systems are becoming mission-critical. They discuss: How continuous vetting has replaced the old "set it and forget it" clearance model What Continuous Vetting Action Reports (CVARs) are—and why they matter The growing "continuous vetting gap" between policy and operational reality How DCSA's shared services and NBIS modernization could improve personnel security The role of APIs, automation, and dashboards in reducing administrative burden Where AI can support adjudicators without replacing human judgment Why applicant experience and secure onboarding portals are becoming essential What agencies should prioritize as Trusted Workforce 2.0 continues to expand to larger populations Plus, in a second conversation, Lindy Kyzer and security clearance attorney Elisabeth Baker-Pham discuss what every college student should know before pursuing a career in national security—from understanding the difference between a public trust and a security clearance to avoiding common mistakes that can jeopardize future eligibility. Whether you're a security professional, hiring manager, federal contractor, or aspiring clearance holder, this episode offers practical insights into the future of personnel vetting and workforce readiness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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  Security Clearance Insecurity

  Building Your Brand in the Intelligence Community with Shana Cosgrove

  Jun 26, 202628 min

  Success in government contracting isn't built overnight—it's earned through consistency, credibility, and continuous growth. In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, Lindy Kyzer sits down with Shana Cosgrove , founder and CEO of Nyla Technology Solutions, to discuss what it takes to build a thriving GovCon business while establishing a trusted reputation in the cleared community. Shana shares lessons from her journey as a technology leader and entrepreneur, including overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, building strong teams, developing future leaders, and why documenting your accomplishments matters more than you think. The conversation also explores mentorship, emotional intelligence, work-life balance, AI's impact on technical careers, and the habits that help professionals stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an engineer, or someone looking to grow your career in national security, this episode offers practical advice on creating long-term success through authenticity, resilience, and continuous improvement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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  Security Clearance Insecurity

  Secret Squirrel Files: Where True Crime Meets National Security

  Jun 12, 202628 min

  What happens when a former true crime reporter, a national security storyteller, and a clearance industry expert sit down to talk espionage, insider threats, terrorism, and the cases that changed history? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity , host Lindy Kyzer welcomes Secret Squirrel Files hosts Phoebe Wells and Katie Helbling, ClearanceJobs new true crime, national security podcast. They discuss the inspiration behind their growing podcast series and why some of the most compelling national security lessons come from real-world cases. The conversation explores how true crime storytelling can help security professionals better understand insider threats, espionage, extremism, intelligence failures, and the policies designed to prevent them. From the Oklahoma City bombing and Operation Bojinka to Aldrich Ames and unsolved military mysteries, the hosts share how these stories provide both historical context and practical lessons for today's cleared workforce. Plus, the team discusses the unique format behind Secret Squirrel Files , the origins of the show's name, and why storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to educate and engage the national security community. In the second half of the episode, security clearance attorney John Berry joins Lindy to discuss an often-overlooked clearance topic: neurocognitive disorders and mental health. The conversation explores how conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and other psychological disorders are evaluated in the clearance process, the importance of self-reporting and treatment, and how government attitudes toward mental health have evolved over the past two decades.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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  Security Clearance Insecurity

  Why Facility Security Officers Are Being Asked to Do More Than Ever

  May 29, 202628 minS0

  <p>Facility Security Officers (FSOs) are at the center of some of the biggest changes happening across the national security workforce—and many are feeling the strain.</p><p>In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs sits down with Ike Rivers, NISPAC representative and advisory board member for TechnoMile Security Information Management, to discuss findings from the latest State of the Facility Security Officer Survey. Together, they explore why FSOs are being asked to wear more hats than ever before and what that means for security programs across the Defense Industrial Base.</p><p>The conversation co...

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