What does the term "insider threat" refer to?

The term "insider threat" specifically refers to risks that arise from individuals within an organization—such as employees, contractors, or other individuals who have legitimate access to sensitive information. These insiders can pose significant risks because they often have knowledge of the organization's security protocols, access pathways, and valuable data.

Such threats can manifest in various forms, including intentional malicious actions to steal data or sabotage systems, or unintentional actions that may lead to security weaknesses or leaks. Understanding the potential for insider threats is crucial for organizations to implement appropriate security measures, enhance awareness among personnel, and create a culture of vigilance regarding data protection.

In contrast, threats from hostile external hackers, security breaches due to malfunctioning equipment, or errors made by employees (inadvertent mistakes) do not fall under the insider threat definition, as they originate from outside the organization or stem from non-deliberate actions without malicious intent. Focusing on insiders allows organizations to strengthen their defenses against a unique class of risks that can be particularly challenging to detect and mitigate.