Frequently Asked Questions
An insider threat is any risk posed by current or former employees, contractors, or other trusted individuals with legitimate access to an organization’s systems or data. Insider threats can be malicious, involving intentional harm, or non-malicious, such as accidental data leaks or errors.
Insider threats impact all industries, but sectors like finance, healthcare, and public administration are particularly vulnerable. Finance and healthcare report higher instances of deliberate insider threats, while non-malicious employee errors often impact public administration.
Effective strategies include implementing robust access controls, continuous user activity monitoring, and regular cyber security awareness training. Technologies like Identity and Access Management (IAM) and User Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) also help detect unusual behaviors associated with insider risks.
Insider threats are difficult to detect because they come from trusted individuals with legitimate access. Remote work, increased use of cloud systems, and emerging technologies like AI and IoT add further complexity, making identifying unusual behavior that could signify a threat challenging.
Most malicious insider threats are motivated by financial gain, but other drivers include workplace grievances, sabotage, and espionage. Employees with access to sensitive data, such as senior managers or sales personnel, may pose greater risks due to the potential financial or operational damage.