Insider Threats... Are you aware of this issue?

When it comes to security breaches, we often think of external hackers as the main culprits. However, it's important to recognize that some of the most damaging breaches actually come from within organizations or through third parties. Whether intentional or accidental, these insider threats can be challenging to detect.

Having a deeper understanding of the observable and reportable indicators can help organizations better identify and respond to these threats. By monitoring user behavior, access patterns, and data handling practices, companies can enhance their security measures and mitigate risks posed by insiders.

It's crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and implement robust security protocols to protect their sensitive data from both external and internal threats. By doing so, they can safeguard their valuable assets and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

If you are an OSAC member, you can get resources and materials to avoid these kinds of issues in your organization. But... wait... Why this is important for security professionals and organizations? In the realm of security, organizations face a significant challenge in detecting and preventing insider threats. These threats can have detrimental effects on the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of an organization's information systems and their contents. What makes insider threats particularly concerning is the fact that they often involve employees who have legitimate access to sensitive information.

Detecting and thwarting an employee with malicious intent can be extremely difficult for organizations. Unlike external threats, insiders already possess authorized access to critical systems and data, making it easier for them to exploit vulnerabilities without raising suspicion.

The impact of insider threats can be far-reaching, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage. Organizations must implement robust security measures and protocols to mitigate these risks effectively. This includes implementing strict access controls, monitoring user activities, conducting regular audits, and providing comprehensive training on security awareness.

By recognizing the severity of insider threats and taking proactive measures to address them, organizations can safeguard their valuable assets and maintain the trust of their stakeholders in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

CISA has an Insider Threat Mitigation Guide released in 2020 that talks about how to combat the insider threat, Organizations should consider a proactive and prevention-focused insider threat mitigation program.

In today's digital age, organizations face a significant challenge when it comes to security - the insider threat. Insiders, who have knowledge of systems and data, can operate with minimal scrutiny, making them capable of inflicting substantial damage. The costs associated with insider threats can range from financial loss and reputational harm to hampering the mission of the organization and even posing a risk to physical safety.

Insider threats are not limited to external hackers or malicious actors; they can also come from within an organization. Employees or trusted individuals who have access to sensitive information may exploit their privileges for personal gain or other nefarious purposes.

This is an interesting framework released by the CPNI. The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) has closed. It has been replaced by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).

Furthermore, insider threats can extend beyond monetary damages and reputation loss. In certain industries such as healthcare or critical infrastructure, insiders with malicious intent could potentially cause bodily harm or endanger public safety.

To mitigate the risks associated with insider threats, organizations must implement robust security measures that include monitoring systems for unusual activities, implementing access controls and restrictions based on job roles and responsibilities, conducting regular security awareness training for employees, and establishing protocols for reporting suspicious behavior.

By recognizing the potential impact of insider threats and taking proactive steps to address them, organizations can better protect their assets and safeguard against potential harm caused by those who possess privileged access within their ranks.

Insider threats can be:

? Unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information or personal data

? Operational sabotage, IT infrastructure damage

? Acts of violence (for example, harassment, bullying, assault, attempting suicide, homicide)

? Cyber intrusions

? Economic espionage

? Intellectual property theft

? Terrorism

Finally, The ASIS Human Threat Management Community is my final recommendation. This is an open community for all ASIS members interested in security issues related to human threat management. This community aims to serve as the leading resource to support the global community by sharing information and resources on pre-employment and in-employment screening of personnel to help ensure that employees and other trusted individuals are indeed trustworthy, vetted, and qualified from a safety and security perspective for the positions they hold. This assists in creating a safe and secure workplace, managing litigation risks, complying with relevant laws, and mitigating potential insider threats.

I hope this article helps you in your security career and development. Please, do not forget to share this newsletter with your peers and friends who need this kind of information.