An insider threat can be a contract left unlocked, a vendor that brings in malware, or someone pretending to be IT support. 75 percent of organizations report being moderately to extremely vulnerable to insider attacks, and the incidents are growing.
1. Data leaving through AI tools
Employees use generative AI and chatbots to speed up work. Those tools can store, share, or transfer sensitive company information if use is unrestricted.
- Set rules for which AI tools may be used.
- Watch what is uploaded to outside platforms.
2. Hybrid and remote work
Personal devices and unsecured networks raise the chance of a leak or an attack.
- Require a VPN for remote work.
- Require personal devices to meet the company’s security standard.
- Train people on the risks that come with working away from the office.
3. Financial fraud and social engineering
Employees who manipulate data, insider trading, and misuse of a former employee’s login, plus phishing that tricks someone into handing over information.
- Use multi-factor authentication on sensitive systems.
- Review financial transactions for irregularities.
- Teach staff to recognize social engineering.
4. Mergers and acquisitions
Deal information is sensitive. Someone with access might misuse it, leak it, or act out of fear of losing a job.
- Limit that data to the people who need it.
- Watch for unusual activity.
- Be clear with people about job security during the change.
5. Vendors and contractors
A contractor may not follow the same security rules. A disgruntled contractor might copy data or cause harm.
- Check vendors before you engage them.
- Give contractors only the access the work requires.
- Put security requirements in the contract.
6. Shadow IT
Shadow IT means unapproved apps, such as a file-sharing tool the company did not authorize. Those tools can skip the security controls.
- Audit for unapproved apps.
- Offer approved tools that do the job people need.
- Explain the risk.
7. Deleted or damaged data
A disgruntled employee may delete or corrupt data, often when leaving or when they feel undervalued.
- Remove access as soon as someone resigns or is let go.
- Watch for unusual deletion or changes.
- A healthier workplace is one way to reduce grievances.
8. Access that piles up
People collect permissions beyond the job. That is access creep. Extra privilege raises the chance of misuse or an accident.
- Audit access on a regular schedule.
- Remove permissions that are no longer needed.
- Use role-based access control.
9. Phishing from inside
A coworker can phish another coworker to reach confidential systems.
- Run phishing exercises.
- Train people to recognize an internal phish.
- Ask people to report a suspicious email even when it appears to come from a colleague.
10. Careless handling
Some of this is malice, and some is negligence: mishandled data, skipped procedures, or a phish that succeeds.
- Keep security training going.
- Treat reporting and careful handling as part of the job.
- Data-loss-prevention software can catch a mistake.
Policies and tools are not the whole defense. Training that stays current, prompt reporting of suspicious activity, and everyday habits also keep data inside the company.
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