A whistleblower is anyone who has and reports insider knowledge of illegal, illicit, and fraudulent activities occurring in an organization. Whistleblowers can be employees, suppliers, contractors, clients, or any individual who becomes aware of dubious business activities. Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation under various programs created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Federal employees are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989.