How to Safeguard Against Insider Threats
- Michael Paulyn
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
When we talk about cybersecurity, most of the spotlight goes to outside threats—hackers, phishing scams, malware, ransomware. But some of the most damaging breaches don't come from the outside.
They come from the inside.
Insider threats—whether intentional or accidental—are a growing problem. And because they involve people who already have access to systems, data, or credentials, they're often harder to detect and stop.
This blog dives into what insider threats are, why they're on the rise, and how businesses can actually defend against them.
What Exactly Is an Insider Threat?
At its core, an insider threat is any risk to an organization's security that comes from within.
That could be:
A disgruntled employee leaking sensitive data
A well-meaning team member who clicks the wrong link or shares the wrong file
A contractor who still has access to company systems they shouldn't
A malicious actor who's infiltrated the team with the goal of stealing data or disrupting operations
Insiders already have access to systems and info. That makes them uniquely dangerous—because their actions don't always raise red flags right away.
Why Insider Threats Are Increasing
It's not your imagination—insider threats are becoming more common.
Here's why:
Remote work has made it harder to monitor behavior and access in real-time.
Cloud tools and file sharing mean employees can move data fast—sometimes too fast.
Turnover and layoffs can lead to resentment or sloppy offboarding.
Lack of training leaves employees vulnerable to making simple but costly mistakes.
Combine all that with the fact that most businesses are juggling dozens of logins and tools? You've got a recipe for risk.
The Two Types: Malicious vs. Accidental
It helps to split insider threats into two main categories:
1. Malicious Insiders: These are people who intentionally try to cause harm—stealing data, leaking files, sabotaging systems, or selling access to bad actors. They might be motivated by revenge, money, ideology, or a mix of all three.
2. Accidental Insiders: These folks don't mean to cause damage—but they still do. Maybe they send confidential info to the wrong email, reuse passwords across tools, or fall for a phishing scam.
Good intentions don't always stop bad outcomes.
Both types matter. Both need prevention.
How to Protect Your Organization
The good news? You don't need to become a surveillance state to stay safe. It's about creating smart systems, training your team, and watching for red flags.
Here's what that looks like:
1. Limit Access: Not everyone needs access to everything. Follow the principle of least privilege—only give employees the data and tools they need to do their job.
2. Monitor User Activity: Use tools that track who's accessing what—and when. Look for strange behavior, like downloading large files after hours or logging in from unexpected locations.
3. Train Your Team; Most accidental threats happen because someone didn't know better. Invest in regular cybersecurity training—especially around phishing, file sharing, and password hygiene.
4. Have a Clean Offboarding Process: Remove access immediately when someone leaves the company. That includes email, Slack, shared drives, CRM accounts—the whole stack.
5. Foster a Strong Company Culture: People are less likely to go rogue if they feel respected, heard, and included. Don't underestimate the power of culture as a security tool.
Final Thoughts
Insider threats aren't some distant, abstract risk—they're real, growing, and already costing companies big.
But here's the upside: most insider threats are preventable. With the right balance of people, policy, and tech, organizations can dramatically lower the risk—without locking everything down so tight that nobody can get their job done.
Security isn't just about keeping the bad guys out. It's about ensuring the people inside are equipped, empowered, and educated.
Hungry for more? Join me each week, where I'll break down complex topics and dissect the latest news within the cybersecurity industry and blockchain ecosystem, simplifying the tech world.
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