Common Insider Threats Organizations Should Watch Out
An insider threat occurs when someone close to a company and with authorized access abuses that access to negatively impact important company information or systems. This person is not necessarily an employee – third-party providers, contractors and partners can also pose an insider security threat.
Insider threats have emerged as the most common type of cyber security threat in recent times. Organizations have set up tight security protocols to avoid attacks and threats. However, the employees, partners, and other stakeholders might have access to the internal systems and data or resources. When insiders ignore the protocols and cause harm to the system, it is termed an insider threat attack.
Insider threats can be intentional and unintentional. At times, the external actors manipulate and misuse the insiders to fulfill their purpose. Learning about insider threats and optimizing security protocols is more than necessary to avoid all of this.
Give an in-depth read to this article to get your hands on common insider threats organizations should watch out for to protect their setups from any major loss.
In recent insider threat statistics , 69% of organizations say they have experienced an attempted or successful data threat or data corruption in the last 12 months.
Top 5 Insider Threats Organizations Should Know About
Insider threats have become too common in this advanced era. At times, the insider actors act on their own for financial gains or to satisfy their grudges. In other cases, the external actors blackmail or manipulate internal actors to allow them access to confidential resources. Whatever the case, insider threats are preventable; however, it is only possible with a high level of security monitoring and quick action. Before that, you must be aware of the types of insider threats to identify and prevent them timely.
Here are the typical insider threats every organization should know about to keep them at bay and protect its resources
1. Accidental Insider Threat
Accidental insider threat is the basic type of insider threat organizations should watch out for. As the name suggests, such a threat is caused unintentionally by an accident. The employees can send confidential information to the wrong recipient by mistake, which will fall in the category of accidental insider threat.
Losing a device with confidential data or downloading malware also falls in the same category. Such attacks are common when employees are unaware of security policies and commit mistakes while executing routine tasks. Organizations often hire cybersecurity companies in Dubai and let experts keep a close watch on insider threats and mitigate the risks efficiently.
2. Negligent Insider Threat
Negligent insider threat is the next type of insider threat organizations need to watch out for. Such a threat takes place when insider actors or employees choose to ignore the security protocols or think lightly of them. At times, they are unaware of security protocols and do not make an effort to learn about them and only prioritize their work efficiency.
It exposes the network and system to threats and attacks. Negligent insider threats have become more common due to higher reliance on hybrid and remote work setups. Guiding the workforce about security protocols is extremely crucial to limit the threats.
3. Compromised Insider Threat
Compromised insider threat is the next type of insider threat organizations should be aware of. Such a threat is a bit complicated but can cause irreparable loss to the setup. The external threat actors utilize data breaches to get access to the internal systems and setups of an organization and implement an attack.
Breached employee accounts and other such loopholes can allow access to the threat actors and help them carry out their plans. It can be used for ransomware attacks, more data breaches, and a vast range of cyber-attacks. Take active measures to protect your breached accounts and optimize overall security.
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4. Malicious Insider Threat
Malicious insider threat is one of the most common types of insider threat organizations need to watch out for. Such a threat occurs when insiders or employees act maliciously and suspiciously. The employees can use data and resources to cause harm to the setup intentionally. They might have the trust of the authorities and knowledge about detection paths, which they can easily evade to hinder being caught in the act.
Moreover, the employees with access to confidential data and resources can turn against the organizations and misuse them for their own benefit. Therefore, organizations should pay significant attention to such matters and control malicious threats.
5. Collusive Insider Threats
Collusive insider threat is the last type of insider threat organizations need to watch out for. Such an insider threat is a bit similar to malicious threats. In case of collusive threats, two or more insiders may collaborate with external parties to launch an attack or threat to the organization.
The external threat actors might blackmail or hire an employee from the organization to facilitate and enact their plan. It can cause immense loss to the setup and ruin its reputation, too. You must implement constant monitoring and access control to limit it. You can also hire cybersecurity companies in Dubai and let experts protect your data and resources against insider threats.
Are you concerned about insider threats?
If you are facing frequent insider cyber threats, you need to take active measures to culminate them. Get professional cyber security companies on board and let experts monitor and implement the controls to culminate the threats.
