What is an insider threat?

An insider threat refers to a security risk that originates from within the organization itself. This type of threat typically involves individuals who have inside information concerning the organization's security practices, data, or computer systems. The individuals can be employees, contractors, or business partners who have legitimate access to the organization’s resources but may misuse that access either intentionally or unintentionally.

Understanding insider threats is crucial because they can lead to data breaches, theft of intellectual property, or other harmful actions that can significantly impact an organization’s security posture and reputation. By recognizing the nature of insider threats, organizations can implement targeted measures to mitigate the risk, such as enhancing monitoring, controlling access rights, and fostering a culture of security awareness.