As of 2025-10-08 the U.S. State Department stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for employees who are found to undermine U.S. national security.
October 08, 2025
high
temporal
Departmental personnel policy stance emphasizing strict enforcement against actions deemed to compromise national security.
Under a furlough, employees are temporarily prohibited from reporting to work but typically retain their jobs and receive pay retroactively after the work stoppage ends.
October 06, 2025
high
definition
Explains employment status and pay treatment during temporary government work stoppages.
A layoff is a permanent job cut resulting in termination of employment rather than a temporary absence.
October 06, 2025
high
definition
Distinguishes layoffs from temporary workforce actions such as furloughs.
A furlough is a temporary leave from work during which employees are not working and are not receiving pay.
high
definition
General employment term used in public and private sectors, including federal employment during funding lapses.
A reduction in force (RIF) is a formal employment action that terminates employees to reduce the size of a workforce.
high
definition
Common human resources term describing workforce reductions.
Social engineering attacks that use deceptive lures to trick employees can enable unauthorized parties to gain access to company systems.
high
general
Describes a common attack vector where attackers manipulate personnel rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities.