Glossary What is an Insider Threat?
By null / 1 Jan 2024 / Topics: Cybersecurity Data protection Compliance
By null / 1 Jan 2024 / Topics: Cybersecurity Data protection Compliance
An insider threat is a type of cyberattack perpetrated by a person who works within the company or organization being attacked. They use their access or credentials to harm equipment, information, networks and systems. Insider threats can be malicious, negligent, or due to a lack of proper security awareness. They may involve current employees, former employees, third-party partners or compromised data, such as stolen credentials.
An attack can happen deliberately or accidentally, and a third party, such as a contractor or business partner, may compromise a company's security through their actions. To combat these threats, it is crucial to educate employees and implement preventative measures to identify potential insider threats. Cybersecurity solutions can assist in detecting any suspicious, malicious or unusual activity.