What is meant by 'insider threat'?

An 'insider threat' specifically refers to risks that arise from individuals within an organization who exploit their legitimate access to the organization’s information systems and sensitive data. This could involve employees, contractors, or business partners who have inside knowledge of the organization’s security practices and vulnerabilities.

Understanding insider threats is crucial as these individuals may intentionally or unintentionally compromise security, leading to data breaches or other operational risks. Unlike external threats, which are posed by outside hackers or adversaries attempting to infiltrate the organization, insider threats leverage the trust and privileges granted to insiders to harm the organization. This distinction highlights the importance of not only securing external perimeters but also monitoring and managing risks from within the organization, including employee behavior and access controls.

Factors that contribute to insider threats can range from malicious intent to personal dissatisfaction or even negligence, making this a complex and critical area of focus in personnel security.