Insider threat is the risk posed by employees, partners, or suppliers. A critical factor in company security.

What is insider threat?

Insider threat is a security risk that originates from within an organization. It involves individuals such as employees, former staff, contractors, or business partners who have authorized access to the company’s systems or data. Whether through intent or negligence, they can cause data leaks, disrupt operations, or compromise the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.

How insider threat appears in practice?

Examples of common situations:

• An employee copies sensitive data to a USB drive before leaving the company.
• An external consultant misuses login credentials to access client systems.
• A disgruntled worker deletes critical data from internal databases.
• A system administrator creates a hidden backdoor for later use.
• An untrained employee opens a malicious email attachment, triggering an attack.

Insider threats aren't always intentional—they often stem from mistakes or negligence. This makes them harder to detect and prevent. Trust alone isn’t enough—effective control and prevention measures are essential.

How is insider threat different from related terms?

• Outsider threat – An external threat, such as a hacker attacking from outside the network.
• Insider threat – A threat from within, involving people who already have legitimate access.
• Social engineering – Manipulating people into granting access, sometimes in combination with an insider.

The key difference lies in access. Insiders already have system access—whether as employees or partners—which makes them more dangerous than external attackers who need to break in.

How does the insider threat in your company?

Steps for managing internal risks:

1. Review access rights – Ensure employees only access what they truly need.
2. Regularly remove accounts of former staff and third-party vendors.
3. Implement logging and monitoring for sensitive activities like data exports.
4. Train employees on security risks and responsible behavior.
5. Apply the “least privilege” principle – give only the minimum required access.
6. Establish an anonymous reporting channel for suspicious behavior.

Many companies underestimate internal threats—either from habit ("it won't happen here") or lack of tools. Yet insider threats are often behind the most serious security incidents. Protecting against them starts with trust, but must include rules, training, and technical safeguards.