Insider threats are getting more dangerous! Here's how to stop them

One of the most difficult attacks to detect is an insider attack. An "insider" would be anyone with legitimate access to the company's networks and data. This would be done through a login or other authorized access.

Because insiders have authorized access to the system, they bypass certain security defenses, such as measures designed to prevent intruders from gaining access. Since a user is not perceived as an intruder, these security protections are not triggered.  

There are three troubling statistics from a recent report by the Ponemon Institute . They illustrate the importance of considering this type of threat. Insider attacks are getting worse, taking longer to detect, and are more widespread.  

The report found that over the past two years:

• Insider attacks increased by 44%
• It takes organizations 85 days to contain an insider threat, compared to 77 days in 2020
• The average cost of dealing with internal hazards has increased by 34%

It is important for businesses to understand what constitutes an insider threat. This is the first step toward mitigating risks.

4 Types of Insider Threats

One reason insider threats can be difficult to detect is that there isn't just one type. Employees, vendors, and hackers can all perpetrate internal security breaches. To further complicate detection, some can be malicious and others accidental.  

Malicious or disgruntled employee

A salesperson who leaves the company may decide to keep all contacts with them. This is a malicious theft of corporate data.  

Another example of this type of insider attack is a disgruntled employee. They may be upset because a senior manager has just fired them and decide to harm the company. They could plant ransomware or make a deal with a hacker to give up their login credentials for money.  

Inconsiderate or negligent employee

Some insider threats are caused by lazy or untrained employees. They don't necessarily want to cause a data breach, but they may accidentally share classified data on an unsecured platform or use a friend's computer to access their work applications. This refers to being completely unaware of the consequences for company security.    

Third party  having access to the systems

Outsiders with access to your network are also a very real concern. Subcontractors, freelancers, and vendors can all pose a risk of internal breaches.  

You must ensure that these third parties are properly vetted. Do this before granting them access to the system. You must also allow your IT partner to review them for any data security issues.  

Hacker who compromises a password

Compromised login credentials are one of the most dangerous types of insider threats. They have now become the primary driver of data breaches worldwide. When a cybercriminal can access an employee's login information, that criminal becomes an "insider." Your computer system detects them as a legitimate user. 

Ways to mitigate insider threats

Insider threats can be difficult to detect after the fact, but if you put mitigation measures in place, you can stop them in their tracks. Being proactive can prevent you from experiencing a costly incident that you may not even know about for months.  

Here are some of the best tactics to reduce the risk of insider threats.  

Thorough background checks

When hiring new employees, be sure to conduct a thorough background check. Malicious insiders will typically have red flags in their employment history. You want to do the same with any vendors or subcontractors who will have access to your systems.  

Terminal Solutions

Mobile devices now account for nearly 60% of an organization's endpoints, yet many companies don't use a solution to manage device access to resources.  

Implement an endpoint management solution to monitor device access. You can also use it to add devices to the security list and block unauthorized devices by default.  

Multi-factor authentication and password security

Multi-factor authentication is one of the best ways to combat credential theft. Hackers have a hard time getting past the second factor. They rarely have access to a person's mobile device or FIDO security key.  

Combine this with password security, including things like:  

• Require strong passwords in your cloud applications
• Use a professional password manager
• Require unique passwords for different logins

Employee Data Security Training

Training can help you mitigate the risk of a negligent breach . Train employees on proper data handling and security policies governing sensitive information.  

Network monitoring

Once someone has access to your system, how can you catch them doing something wrong? You can do this with intelligent network monitoring.  

Use AI-enabled threat monitoring. This allows you to detect unusual behavior as soon as it occurs. For example, someone downloading a large number of files, or someone logging in from outside the country.  

Need help stopping insider attacks?

A multi-layered security solution can help you mitigate all four types of insider threats. We can help you with a robust and affordable solution. Contact us today for a free consultation.  

About Nexxo

Nexxo Solutions informatique is a company specializing in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.