Insider Threat: What is it and Why is it Dangerous?
Businesses and organizations are vulnerable, not only to external attacks but also internal threats. The latter is known as insider threats, and it is one of the most significant threats to organizations worldwide. One reason is that insider threats are hard to detect and can result in severe damage to the company's reputation and financial stability. In this article, we will define insider threat, discuss the different types of insider threats, and the risks that they pose to organizations' security.
What is an Insider Threat?
An insider threat can be defined as an individual or group of insiders using authorized access to files, data, and systems to carry out activities that put the organization at risk. An insider can be a current or former employee, contractor, vendor, partner, or other person with login credentials or access to an organization's secure network.
Insider threats are often accidental or malicious, and they can come from anyone in the organization's ecosystem with access to critical and sensitive information. The motivations behind insider threats can range from financial gain, personal gratification, revenge, or simply a lack of awareness of cybersecurity risks.
Types of Insider Threats
There are several types of insider threats. Some of them include:
1. Negligent Insiders: These types of threats are unintended and are mostly due to human error. For example, an employee can accidentally send a confidential document to the wrong person or leave their computer unlocked.
2. Malicious Insiders: These types of insiders are intentionally trying to cause harm to the organization. For example, an employee could steal data to sell it to competitors or lash out against the company after being fired.
3. Compromised Insiders: These types of threats occur when an outsider gains unauthorized access to an employee's account through phishing or social engineering. The outsider can then use this account to steal data or cause harm to the organization.
4. Exit Insiders: These types of insiders are former employees or contractors who still have access to the organization's network and data. They can use this access to harm their previous employer or sell sensitive data to the highest bidder.
The Risks of Insider Threats
Insider threats can be detrimental to an organization's security and financial stability. Some of the risks associated with insider threats include:
1. Loss of Sensitive Data: Insiders with access to confidential information can steal or leak it, leading to reputational harm, financial loss, and legal ramifications.
2. Operational Disruptions: An insider can cause operational disruptions by deleting critical data, hacking into critical systems, or corrupting databases.
3. Financial Losses: Insider threats can lead to financial losses, including loss of revenue, fines, legal fees, and damage control costs.
4. Loss of Reputation: The damage to an organization's reputation due to insider threats can lead to loss of customers, investors, and business partners.
Real-Life Examples of Insider Threats
1. Edward Snowden: In 2013, Edward Snowden, a contractor with the National Security Agency (NSA), leaked classified information and caused significant reputational harm and financial losses to the organization.
2. Sony Pictures: In 2014, a group of hackers gained access to Sony Pictures' network and leaked sensitive information, including emails and employee data.
3. Target: In 2013, Target suffered a massive data breach when an attacker gained access to their network through an HVAC contractor. The breach resulted in 40 million credit and debit card records being exposed.
4. Booz Allen Hamilton: In 2019, a former Booz Allen Hamilton employee was arrested and charged for stealing and publishing classified documents.
How to Prevent Insider Threats
Preventing insider threats requires a multi-layered approach that involves both technical and non-technical measures. These measures include:
1. Employee Training: Organizations should educate their employees about the importance of cybersecurity and how to identify and report any suspicious activities.
2. Access Controls: Organizations should ensure they have the appropriate access controls in place that authorize only the employees who need access to sensitive information to do so.
3. Monitoring: Organizations should monitor their employees' activities to detect any malicious or unusual behaviors.
4. Incident Response Plan: Organizations should have an incident response plan in place to help them respond quickly and efficiently to any insider threat incidents.
5. Forensic Capability: Organizations should have a forensics capability that can help them investigate insider threats and identify any evidence.
Conclusion
Insider threats can pose significant risks to an organization's security and financial stability. They are difficult to detect and can come from anyone in the organization's ecosystem. While they can sometimes be unintentional, they can also be malicious and lead to reputational harm, financial losses, and legal ramifications. Preventing insider threats requires a comprehensive approach that involves a combination of technical and non-technical measures, including employee training, access controls, monitoring, incident response plans, and forensic capabilities. As the threat of insider threats continues to rise, it is essential for organizations to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent them from happening.
