Insider Risk to company data and assets

Insider attacks on a company's computer network can take various forms, both malicious and accidental by employee’s and visitors using a companies internal network.

1. Data Theft: Employees or visitors with access to sensitive information may steal or leak data for personal gain or malicious intent.

2. Sabotage: Disgruntled employees may intentionally disrupt or damage the network, systems, or data.

3. Espionage: Employees may be recruited by external parties to gather sensitive information or compromise security measures.

4. Unauthorised Access: Employees may abuse their privileges to access data or systems they shouldn't have access to.

5. Social Engineering: Manipulating employees into divulging sensitive information or granting unauthorized access through persuasion or deception.

6. Malicious Software: Employees may introduce malware into the network, either intentionally or unintentionally, causing harm or allowing unauthorized access.

7. Data Modification: Unauthorised or unintentional modification of data by insiders can lead to financial losses, reputation damage, or legal consequences for the company.

Preventing insider attacks requires a combination of technical controls, such as access controls and monitoring systems, along with policies, training, and a culture of security awareness within the organisation.

To safeguard data from insider risks, it’s crucial to implement a comprehensive data protection strategy. This includes regular employee training on data security protocols and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Employees should be educated about the potential consequences of data breaches, both for the company and for themselves. Access to sensitive data should be limited to only those who require it for their job roles, and robust user access controls should be in place. Regular audits can help identify any unusual activity or access patterns. Additionally, implementing a secure IT infrastructure with up-to-date antivirus and firewall systems is essential. Lastly, fostering a culture of transparency and trust within the organisation can discourage malicious activities and encourage employees to report any suspicious behaviour. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to data security.

Training and protection against insider risk, both accidental and malicious form’s part part of our security management plan. Speak to us today about how we can help your business build a robust security management plan that includes protection against insider risk.