Insider threats are a frequently ignored danger vector, although nation-state threat actors and external hackers frequently make the news. Only a few businesses, like Rockwell-Boeing, Anthem Healthcare, and Capital One, have experienced severe insider data breaches. Insiders with access to the “keys to the kingdom” and knowledge of exploitable flaws in systems and processes include privileged users, contractors, vendor partners, and trusted executives.

The majority of information security professionals concur that when it comes to organizational information security, workers and vendors are the weakest links. Security firms can better plan for the broadest conceivable threat vectors that can result in expensive assaults by adopting a holistic view of insider threats.

Types of Insider Threat

Insider threats frequently go unnoticed for months or even years, costing the organization money, disrupting operations, damaging the reputation of the brand, and instilling distrust in the public. To offer context for prevention, it is crucial to comprehend the different types of insiders and their motivations. According to Security Insider, there are five fundamental types of insider threats:

  • Unwilling participants in awareness training
  • Unintentional insiders
  • Insider trading, for example, with business partners
  • Persistent insider threats
  • Unhappy employees

Security Plan to Risk Alignment

Although traditional methods like security awareness training lay a solid foundation, they are insufficient in light of potential financial motive and insider misconfiguration concerns. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report 2019, some industry sectors present a greater internal risk than others.

  • Use role-based access controls to safeguard sensitive information.
  • Put data encryption in place
  • Management of privileged access (PAM)
  • Recognize unusual behavior
  • Connect physical and cyber security
  • Include thorough monitoring and visibility

Insider threats can arise for a variety of reasons, including unintentional employee errors, dissatisfied employees, financially motivated insiders stealing data, and more. As you identify, mitigate, and address internal threats, prioritize insider threat prevention that strikes a balance between security and privacy. Know more about planning your security package with CYB3R-X’s Managed Threat Response.