Insider Threats Are Getting More Dangerous! Here’s How to Stop Them

Internal attacks are among the most difficult to prevent. Employees, contractors, or anyone with access can seriously harm a company’s networks and data if their actions go undetected. These threats often hide behind trusted logins.

Insiders often have unrestricted access to systems, letting them bypass security protocols meant for outsiders. Even though they have special access that could cause serious problems, insiders are usually not seen as threats and are often overlooked by security measures.

A recent Ponemon Institute report showed a sharp increase in insider attacks, which are harder to detect and have broader impacts. We need to recognize this risk and take steps to prevent it from growing.

The report found that over the last two years:

1. Insider attacks have increased by 44%

2. It takes organizations 85 days to contain an insider threat, compared to 77 days in 2020.

3. The average cost of addressing insider threats has risen by 34%

It’s important for companies to understand what makes up an insider threat. That’s the first step towards mitigation.

Insider threats come in many shapes and sizes

Insider threats come in a variety of forms, making them difficult to detect. Whether the

Whether the perpetrator is an employee acting with bad intentions or someone who makes an honest mistake, these security breaches can have serious consequences.

Organizations need to stay alert to all types of insider threats as they work to improve their cyber resilience.

Below are the four main types of insider threats faced by company networks:

Despite being a trusted member of the team

If a sales employee is about to leave, they might try to take their contact list with them. This is considered data theft and can cost companies a lot of time and money to rebuild these valuable resources.

A former employee’s feelings of hurt and betrayal can be dangerous–so much so that they could potentially attack the very business responsible for their dismissal. Such an insider may seek revenge by introducing malicious ransomware, or even monetizing stolen login credentials to a hacker in exchange for cutting themselves a tidy sum!

Negligence on the job has repercussions for everyone involved

Employee negligence can be a major source of insider threats. From accidentally sharing confidential information on an insecure platform to using unsecured devices for business applications, seemingly innocuous acts may posed unexpected dangers- and employees might not even realize the potential fallout.

Threats can come from unexpected places

Contractors, freelancers, or vendors with access to your network can pose a real risk of insider breaches. To keep company data secure, always review third parties before granting access and work with your IT team to check for potential security threats. Protect all data as carefully as possible.

A malicious hacker lurks in the shadows

Login credentials have become the weapon of choice for malicious insiders, leading to an unprecedented number of data breaches across the globe. Companies must be vigilant in order to protect sensitive information and maintain their cybersecurity posture.

When a cybercriminal gets their hands on an employee’s login information, they become penetrating forces from within. Without being detected as intruders, these insidious insiders can wreak havoc on your computer systems – making them appear to be the very users you trust with access.

Insider threats can have devastating consequences

Insider threats can appear to be invisible, but the best way of tackling them is through proactive measures. By ensuring you have robust plans in place now, rather than waiting for an incident to occur and exposing yourself to months of costly damage post-event – prevention really is better than a cure!

Here are some of the best tactics for reducing insider threat risk:

Knowing who we are hiring is a must-do

Hiring the right employees is critical for any business to succeed, and it’s key to conduct thorough background checks. That way you can help protect your company from malicious insiders who may have caused issues in their past employment — and vet vendors or contractors too so they don’t put your systems at risk!

Endpoint Device Solutions

As companies move toward mobile operations, the need for effective device access management is growing. However, many businesses have not adopted this important technology, leaving them exposed in today’s digital environment.

To keep your devices secure, use an endpoint management solution that monitors access. This ensures only authorized people can get in and automatically blocks any suspicious or unauthorized attempts, giving you strong protection.

Keeping online accounts secure is essential in today’s tech-driven world

Combat credential theft with an extra layer of security! Multi-factor authentication provides a powerful barrier against hackers, who have difficulty bypassing the second factor. With strong measures like your mobile device or FIDO key locked down tightly, you can rest assured that your data will stay safe and secure.

Couple this with password security. This includes things like:

1. Requiring strong passwords in your cloud apps

2. Using a business password manager

3. Requiring unique passwords for all logins

Safeguarding company information is crucial for any business

Train your staff to help create a secure environment. Teach employees how to handle data properly and follow your company’s security protocols to reduce mistakes and keep information safe.

Keeping your network running smoothly is essential to success

Keep your system secure against malicious intent by utilizing intelligent network monitoring to detect any unauthorized user activity.

Take your security to the next level with AI-enabled threat monitoring! Instantly be alerted of any strange behaviors, such as mass downloads or international logins. Protect your data quickly and efficiently – before it’s too late.

Is your business vulnerable to an attack from the inside?

If you are concerned about insiders sabotaging your system, consider a layered security solution tailored to your business. Our secure and cost-effective options offer strong protection, so you can feel confident that your data is safe. Contact us for more information.