What is an Insider Threat?

An insider threat is the actions of an insider (employee, vendor, counterparty) aimed at using their authorized access to a company’s information or confidential documents in order to harm the organization. According to the Ponemon Institute, there are 3 types of insider leaks:

– Careless or negligent employee or contractor (56%)
– Criminal insider, including employee or contractor malice (26%)
– Employee/user credential theft (a.k.a. imposter risk) (18%)

All these actions, whether or not they are performed under the influence of some unscrupulous motive, nevertheless negatively affect the integrity, confidentiality and security of the organization, its data, personnel and/or facilities. In addition, such leaks can lead to both financial and reputational consequences.

In general, an insider threat, as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is the threat that an insider will intentionally or unwittingly use their authorized access to harm the company’s mission, resources, personnel, facilities, information, equipment, networks, or systems.

To counteract insider leaks, one option is to create a preventative effect; that is, make it common knowledge that leaks will be found, and leakers will be punished. LeaksID offers such an approach. Using the patented LeaksID technology, you can mark all confidential documents with invisible marks, using which, in the event of a leak, it is easy to determine the owner of the compromised copy.

For example, if someone simply takes a photo of a document open on the screen to which they have access, or a photo of a printed confidential contract, then the source can be identified by the markings. If everyone in the company knows that, no matter how they compromise a document, it will be possible to determine the source, the number and frequency of leaks themselves will decrease.

Try out LeaksID, our cloud solution to store documents, collaborate on them, and securely share them.

You may also find this interesting

LeaksID Awarded High Performer in G2’s Spring 2023 Report

G-71’s LeaksID is a patented ITM solution recognized by G2 as a High Performer in Cloud File Security. The G2 recognition confirms LeaksID’s credibility, reliability, and efficiency, making it an indispensable tool for businesses dealing with sensitive information.

How to Protect Healthcare Data from Breaches and Leaks

The article discusses the importance of safeguarding sensitive patient information in the healthcare industry. It highlights the potential risks, and offers practical tips and strategies for securing healthcare data.

Data and Document Leak Investigation

If you suspect that your company has suffered a data leak, it’s important to investigate the situation immediately so that you can take action and mitigate any potential damage.

How Classified Information Walks Out the Door

The article examines various scenarios that can lead to this situation, including unintentional or deliberate actions by employees, as well as cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

ClearanceJobs

What is an Insider Threat?

How can companies counter insider threat? What types of insider leaks exist? How to reduce insider risk with invisible labeling?

Confidential Data Leaks: Who Steals and Why?

The motives for hacking, especially virtual hacking through penetration into the secret infrastructure of a company, are very diverse, as are the methods used for such purposes. Here are some examples of the most common reasons for theft.