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According to a new report, China and Russia are targeting recently fired or at-risk US federal employees in national security roles in an effort to recruit them for intelligence purposes.

Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, over the last few weeks, there have been large cuts targeting federal employees, particularly within national security agencies like the CIA and the Department of Defense. These layoffs are part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to streamline the federal workforce, but intelligence officials worry they may unintentionally create security risks.  

What’s going on now: According to a report by CNN citing US intelligence sources, Russia and China are actively working to recruit recently fired or at-risk federal employees, particularly those with security clearances and knowledge of critical government infrastructure. These adversaries are allegedly leveraging professional platforms like LinkedIn, as well as recruitment websites, to target individuals who may feel financially vulnerable or resentful after losing their jobs.  

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has assessed with “high confidence” that foreign intelligence agencies are attempting to capitalize on these layoffs, directing their officers to identify and approach potential sources online.

Intelligence officials are concerned that disaffected employees, who may have access to sensitive national security information, could be persuaded to leak classified details in exchange for financial compensation or a sense of retribution against their former employer.