The insider threat definition is any threat posed by people who have access to your system or your company’s system. Current or former employees, as well as temporary personnel, may pose a threat. Always consider cyber security training for employees. This article will discuss insider threat indicators and improving your insider threat awareness so you can avoid potential vulnerabilities.
What are Some Potential Insider Threat Indicators?
- Phishing emails are one of the most typical forms of insider threats. While we’re all familiar with phishing emails that offer exceptional deals or seem to be from a well-known company, an insider threat phishing email appears to come from someone you know. Phishing emails frequently replicate executive requests for specific access or information. Employees believe they are obligated to comply with these requests with little or no questioning. The sender’s URL, never click on a link unless you’re certain it’s legitimate, and when in doubt, call out. To validate the request, pick up the phone and call the sender.
- Human error is a part of everyday life. When you make a mistake at work, you usually get a brief message notifying you of your error. However, even minor errors might have major ramifications. Sending confidential information to your personal computer, making a mistake when setting up configuration access credentials, or even sending personal information to the wrong email address are all examples of security breaches. All of them are minor blunders that could end up costing you a lot of money. While it is hard to avoid all errors, knowing how critical specific information access and data are will help you be more prepared and focused.
- Finally, while it may be difficult to accept, some of the people with whom we work have poor motives. It’s usually preferable to work in a trustworthy workplace, yet our coworkers can sometimes try to take advantage of us or even steal from us. Now we don’t mean taking your sticky notes. Employees steal business access, information, and data and use it for personal gain or sell it online, which is known as an insider threat. We’re not implying that all of your coworkers are suspicious, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye out.
How to Prevent Insider Threats
- Abide by the rules set by your employer. Your business strives to keep access, information, and data secure at all times. It’s best to stick to your company’s policies and procedures if they exist. Security software and controls should never be disabled.
- Don’t leave your laptops or personal devices unattended or open. Even if it’s only for a few seconds, leaving your devices out in the open puts you in danger of an internal attack. While it may appear to be a harmless situation, and your coworkers appear to be trustworthy, you never know who is waiting for the perfect chance to strike.
- Passwords should be kept private. Never give away your password to anyone inside or outside your organization. Passwords are designed to be kept confidential. Remember to never use the same password for several accounts. If possible, utilize a password manager to keep track of your passwords.
- Allowing a partner or colleague to access their account on your computer is never a good idea. When you access systems other than your computer, you leave yourself susceptible to attack.
- Watch out for emails, phone calls, or text messages asking you to change your passwords, open links, or download something. Any email asking for specific information from you should be avoided at all costs.
Key Takeaways – What is an Insider Threat?
Insider threats can pose a serious problem to your entire system. Monitor insider threat indicators and teach your employees to identify these potential risks. Use our 5 prevention tips discussed in this article to keep your data safe. If you have any reason to believe that there may be an insider threat, please contact us immediately.
Download our Infographic on 5 Ways to Prevent Insider Threats Here
479-434-1400
Schedule a chat with a security professional!
Source: https://hooksecurity.co
