Insider threats, a critical aspect of cybercrime, can come from anyone with access to your organization’s networks, systems, or data. These threats can be intentional, aiming to cause harm, or unintentional, resulting from negligence or accidents. They can jeopardize your employees, customers, assets, reputation, and interests. However, there are security measures you can take to mitigate these risks.
Types of Insider Threats
Unintentional Insider Threats
- Employees accidentally causing harm by misplacing devices, mishandling sensitive information, or granting unauthorized access.
Malicious Insider Threats
- Individuals intentionally causing harm for revenge, extortion, or financial gain. This includes employees, contractors, and partners misusing their access.
Potential Impacts
Insider threats, a form of cybercrime, can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your organization’s business processes and information.
Responding to Insider Threats
- Activate your incident response plan.
- Manage access controls to limit further damage.
- Monitor endpoints and mobile devices.
- Review audit logs for suspicious behavior.
- Inform third-party service providers.
- Use the experience to improve awareness and training.
Managing Insider Threat Risks
Implement the following security controls to combat cybercrime:
Policies and Procedures
- Define security requirements and expected user behavior.
- Conduct employee screening and background checks.
- Provide mandatory cybersecurity training and awareness activities.
- Establish security agreements with partners and third parties.
Access Control
- Apply the principle of least privilege.
- Implement multi-factor authentication.
- Use two-person integrity for critical tasks.
- Regularly revoke unnecessary access privileges.
Audits
- Collect and analyze user actions on information systems.
- Monitor logs for unusual behavior.
- Review administrative changes regularly.
Data Loss Prevention
- Use DLP software to detect and prevent data breaches.
- Employ alerts, encryption, and protective actions.
Conclusion
By understanding the nature of insider threats, a significant aspect of cybercrime, and implementing robust security measures, you can protect your organization from potential risks. Regular training, stringent access controls, and continuous monitoring are key to mitigating these threats effectively.
Source: Canadian Center for Cybersecurity
More information: How to protect your organization from insider threats (ITSAP.10.003)
