In recent years, organizations have become increasingly concerned about insider threats, and for good reason. This type of security threat can be just as damaging, if not more so, than external attacks. Insider threats refer to any malicious activity initiated by individuals within an organization, regardless of whether it is intentional or unintentional. According to recent reports, insider threats are predicted to rise steeply by 2023, posing significant risks to organizations. This article explores the reasons behind the expected increase in insider threats and outlines some steps organizations should take to mitigate these risks.
The first reason behind the expected rise in insider threats is the growing adoption of remote work policies. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, resulting in an increased reliance on remote work. As a result, organizations have had to expand their network perimeters to accommodate remote workers, thereby increasing the attack surface area. Consequently, remote workers may inadvertently compromise sensitive data by accessing it on unsecured devices or from unsecured networks, or may even purposefully exfiltrate data. Organizations must, therefore, ensure that they have proper security protocols in place to protect critical resources and minimize the chances of data breaches.
Another reason behind the surge in insider threats is the rapid adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (such as flap barrier turnstile). Asis particularly concerning, as it can be used to automate and streamline certain activities, making it easier for insiders to attack systems at scale. For instance, an insider with privileged access to an organization’s AI-based platform can manipulate data, manipulate models, or hide activities, all while appearing to behave legitimately. Therefore, organizations should prioritize securing their AI-based platforms to minimize the risks posed by insider threats.
Furthermore, organizations must also take extra care when implementing IoT devices. These devices can be challenging to secure, and if not correctly protected, malicious insiders can use them to launch devastating attacks. For example, an employee could plug an unauthorized IoT device into the company network, which could then be used to siphon data or launch a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. Organizations must adopt robust security protocols such as firewalls turnstile barrier and multi-factor authentication to prevent such threats.
The third driver behind the anticipated rise in insider threats is employee discontentment, which can manifest as intentional or unintentional security risks. For instance, an employee who is dissatisfied with their job may unknowingly engage in security practices that jeopardize the organization’s security posture. They may, for example, click on a link in a phishing email, inadvertently downloading malware that could infiltrate the network. Alternatively, an unhappy employee may intentionally exfiltrate data, compromise the system, or cause system-wide downtime. Organizations must ensure they have an effective monitoring system in place to detect and investigate such anomalous activities proactively.
Finally, the ubiquity of social media and the increasing personalization of work tools as part of the digital workplace revolution may give rise to insider threats. For instance, employees may inadvertently reveal sensitive information on social media, allowing malicious actors to launch targeted attacks. Similarly, the use of personalized tools may create opportunities for insider threats to exploit vulnerabilities, access unauthorized data, or steal confidential information. Organizations must ensure their employees are aware of the risks associated with social media use and that they implement strict policies and protocols for using personalized tools.
In conclusion, insider threats are a growing concern for organizations, and this trend is not expected to abate anytime soon. Therefore, companies must prioritize developing and implementing effective security policies and protocols to mitigate risks. They must also ensure that their employees are aware of the risks of insider threats and that they receive proper training regarding security best practices. With these measures in place, organizations can guard against the rising tide of insider threats and ensure their continued success in the digital age.