Uncovering Insider Threat Awareness: 6 Hotspots Every Business Should Look Into

The threat of insider attacks can be a nightmare for any business. It not only leads to financial losses but also affects the integrity of the brand and customer trust. While companies focus on external cyber threats, insider threats are often neglected. In this article, we will explore six hotspots every business should look into to uncover insider threat awareness.

1. Employee Screening and Background Checks

Employee screening and background checks are a crucial step in hiring new employees. It’s essential to verify their qualifications, work experience, and criminal background before hiring them. Neglecting these critical checks can expose your business to insider threats. Employees with a history of criminal behavior or drug abuse can be a significant threat to your business.

2. Access Controls

Access controls limit access to sensitive information to only authorized personnel. Regular review of access controls ensures that employees only have the necessary privileges to perform their job. Over-entitled access can be a significant risk to insider threats. Educate employees on proper access control and the dangers of sharing or circumventing these controls.

3. Monitoring Employee Activity

Real-time monitoring of employee activity is an essential tool for uncovering insider threats. This can be achieved through tracking employee actions on company-owned devices. This includes emails, web browsing, and file access. Suspicious activity should be investigated promptly and addressed accordingly.

4. Education and Awareness

Educate employees on the dangers of insider threats. Creating awareness can go a long way in preventing these threats from occurring. Use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the consequences of insider threats. Encourage employees to report any suspicious activity, potential security vulnerabilities, or concerns to the appropriate personnel.

5. Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management

Vendor and third-party risk management should not be overlooked. They can expose your business to insider threats through weak points in their systems. It’s essential to have adequate vendor assessments and contracts to minimize these risks. Vendors should follow your security policies and procedures to ensure data and network security.

6. Incident Response Plan

Creating an incident response plan is an essential step toward addressing insider threats. This plan should detail the steps to follow in the event of an insider attack. It would include information security team members’ roles, the communication plan, and the steps required to mitigate the threat. Conducting regular tabletop exercises helps test the effectiveness of the plan and its contingency measures.

Conclusion

As technology advances, insider threats become more sophisticated and can be harder to detect. This article highlights six hotspots that businesses should look into to uncover insider threat awareness. By implementing a combination of these measures, businesses can mitigate the risks of insider threats and ensure data and network security. Remember, prevention is key to protecting your business from insider threats.