Insider Threat

The risk of an insider (employee, contractor, or anyone with legitimate access) causing harm to the organization, whether intentionally or accidentally.

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Insiders already have a foot in the door, so their actions don't have to bypass external defenses.

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An intentional insider threat could be a disgruntled employee stealing data, an opportunistic staff member selling company secrets, or someone sabotaging systems on their way out. An unintentional insider threat might be an employee who unknowingly clicks a malware link or misconfigures a system through lack of training, thereby causing a breach.

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Managing insider threats involves a mix of trust and verification: background checks during hiring, principle of least privilege (so no one has more access than necessary), monitoring of sensitive actions (for example, alerts if a large amount of data is being downloaded), and fostering a positive workplace culture (malicious insiders often have grudges or financial pressures).

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For SMBs, practical steps include promptly revoking access when someone leaves, using audits or spot-checks on admin activities, and making it easy for employees to report suspicious behavior or mistakes without fear.

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Remember that your team is usually your greatest asset, not a threat - but having checks in place ensures that one bad apple or one careless moment doesn't lead to a serious incident.