What is an insider threat?

An insider threat refers to the risk posed by individuals within an organization who have inside information concerning the organization’s security practices, data, and computer systems. These individuals can be employees, contractors, or business partners who have access to sensitive data and can present a threat to the organization in various ways, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Individuals within the organization may exploit their access to resources or information for personal gain, engage in malicious activities, or inadvertently expose sensitive information through carelessness or lack of awareness. The definition emphasizes the unique characteristics of insider threats, which stem from personnel who are trusted insiders, contrasting starkly with external threats that originate outside the organization.

This understanding of insider threats is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies, as organizations must cultivate a culture of security awareness and implement controls that monitor and manage internal access to sensitive data and systems.