What Is an Insider Threat?
Statistics:
Insider threats are a growing concern that account for nearly 60% of all data breaches, according to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR). According to an IBM article, the average global cost of a data breach has increased by 10% over the previous year (2023) to $4.88 million (2024).
What They Are:
An insider threat is a form of a cyberattack when an individual who works for an organization, or someone who has authorized access to its network systems. Insider threats can occur from current or former employees, consultants, board members, and business partners. Insider threats can be rolled out through carelessness, or with the intent of utilizing the company information for malicious activity.
Overview:
Insider threats in cybersecurity often refers to a person, or group of people using their authorized access to an organization’s data to harm the company’s systems. Insider threats often include corruption, espionage, degradation of resources, sabotage, and unauthorized information disclosure that can result in cybercriminals able to launch malware or ransomware attacks.
Types of Insider Threats
There are many various forms of insider threats. These threats can result in data loss, financial loss, and reputation loss. Here are some of the more common types of insider threats:
Malicious Insider (Turncloak)
Current or former employee, contractor, or business associate who deliberately misuses their access to harm the organization. This can involve stealing data, causing financial loss, sabotaging systems, or selling sensitive data to dark web users.
Third Party Insider
Contactors , vendors, or partners who have authorized access to systems or data and pose a risk either through negligence or compromise. These individuals may not be employees but still have insider-level access.
Negligent Insider
This is someone who unintentionally exposes the organizations due to carelessness or poor judgement. Examples include falling for phishing attacks, misconfigured systems, or losing devices containing sensitive information.
Unintentional Insider
A collusive insider is where one or more insider threat individuals work alongside with an external partner to compromise the organization.
Compromised Insider
A compromised individual is someone whose credentials or access rights have been hijacked by an external attack, allowing the attacker to operate under the desguise of a legitimate user.
Collusive Insider
An unintentional insider is a subset of insiders who may be tricked, manipulated or socially engineered into doing something that leads to a data breach without even realizing they’re posing a threat. The unintentional insider is a perfect example of why cybersecurity awareness training is important.
Spotting an Insider Threat
Inside attackers often have to hack security systems or set up hardware/software to make it easier for them or others to fully gain access to your systems. By knowing what to look out for, you can then take the steps to mitigate the threat. Here are some signs of an insider threat attack:
Excessive Login Attampts on Privileged Accounts
If a user repeatedly tries to access admin accounts or restricted systems, this could indicate an insider probing for unauthorized access or testing stolen credentials.
Changed Passwords
If a user gets logged out of an account and the password has been changed it could have been an internal attacker changing it to enable access to information the compromised user has access to.
Attempts to access HR or Payrole Systems Without Cause
Accessing employees records, salary data, or personal HR files can be a sign of internal sabotage or preparation for a social engineering attack.
Use of Unsanctioned File-Sharing Platforms
Watch for employees uploading sensitive documents to platforms. This is a common way insiders extract sensitive data without detection.
Tampering With System Logs or Audit Trails
If system logs go missing, are disabled, or show signs of aleration, this is a major red flag that someone is trying to cover up insider activity.
Unauthorized Software Installation
If unauthorized software gets installed, this should be a red flag. Users may intentionally or unintentionally download malicious software which can contain hidden malware
Installation of Encryption or Wiping Tools
If encryption tools or file wiping programs are installed without IT’s approval, an insider could be trying to hide traces of malicious activity or prepare to sabotage systems.
Use of dual Network Connections or Rogue Wifi Hotspots
Look for unauthorized devices that bridge internal networks to external connections, potentially allowing data to be siphoned out undetected.
Additional Remote Access Software
Keep an eye out for remote access software that may have been installed without IT's approval. Inside hackers may install this software to gain access to company accounts outside the office.
How To Stop Insider Threats:
As an Employee You Should:
Report Suspicious Behavior
If you see a coworker accessing strange files, working late with sensitive data, or installing unapproved software, report it to IT, HR, or your MSP.
Be Careful with Data
Dont email company data to your personal account or use unauthorized file-sharing apps. Avoid printing or downloading sensitive documents unless necessary and approved.
Stay Educated
Take part in cybersecurity training. Learn how to recognize phishing, social engineering, and common insider threat tactics.