Insider threats originate from individuals within the organization who misuse their access to harm systems, steal data, or compromise security. These threats can be particularly damaging due to the trusted status of insiders.
Challenges
- Detection Difficulty: Insiders often have legitimate access, making malicious activities harder to identify.
- Motivation Variability: Insider threats can stem from malicious intent, negligence, or coercion, complicating prevention efforts.
- Data Exfiltration: Insiders can exploit their access to exfiltrate sensitive data without immediate detection.
Protection Strategies
- Access Controls: Implement the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access necessary for their roles.
- Monitoring and Analytics: Use user behavior analytics to detect anomalies indicative of insider threats.
- Employee Screening and Training: Conduct thorough background checks and provide ongoing security awareness training
