What is an Insider Threat in Cybersecurity?
Today I will discuss a topic related to cybersecurity, which is what is an Insider Threat in Cybersecurity?
An insider threat is any threat to the security of an organization that comes from within. A disgruntled employee, a careless contractor, or even a third-party partner with excessive access. Insiders already have access to sensitive systems and data, which puts them in a unique position to cause harm, either intentionally or accidentally.
Insider threats come in three main forms. Let’s get to the bottom of it.
Malicious insiders.
In cybersecurity, these are the villains of office employees or contractors who intentionally steal data, destroy systems, or leak sensitive information. Maybe they’re upset about a missed promotion or a bad performance review.
Negligent insiders.
This one is tricky because it’s usually not malicious. Think about clicking on a phishing email or reusing a password. It’s unintentional but it can do just as much damage.
Insiders are employees whose credentials have been stolen by an outsider, perhaps through a phishing attack or social engineering. The biggest insider threats here are so dangerous because they are difficult to detect.
Think about it, why question someone who already has access to your network, most security measures are designed to protect you from outside threats, but what if the enemy is someone you know?
Let’s talk about how to solve it
Organizations protect themselves from insider threats by not giving everyone admin-level access,
1: Use a least privilege policy.
2: Employees should only have access to what they need.
3: Educate employees about cybersecurity. The chances of cyber-attacks are reduced when employees are educated on this topic.
4: Don’t give everyone access to important files.
5: Always treat every staff member in the office well. Don’t treat anyone badly as a boss.
6: As a boss, never misbehave with any staff. If the behavior of any staff seems suspicious, keep an eye on their movements.
7: Talk to the person whose behavior seems suspicious and try to resolve the issue or understand the reason for their annoyance.
8: Find an alternative to the position they are holding and also in terms of security.