Understanding the Real Cost of Insider Attacks, How to Prevent Them

Someone working for you right now is also working alongside some of the world’s most successful cyber criminals.

A double agent.

And before long, they’re going to take down your business from the inside. They’ll put your sensitive business data in the hands of your number one enemy.

It sounds like the plot from a movie, doesn’t it?

While it could make a great edge-of-your-seat thriller, sadly, this is a very real threat to you and your business. And it can happen for three key reasons.

REASON ONE: The most common reason is that an employee of yours is an accidental double agent.

Their lack of cyber security training means they don’t notice the warning signs of a phishing email, dangerous attachment or spoofed web page. That training gap leads to a click on a bad link, which leaves you open to attack.

This is what we call insider negligence.

REASON TWO: This next reason is scarier – you do have a malicious insider. Someone who is working for you and knows the value of your data.

They know the weaknesses in your business’s cyber security and they know how to access your sensitive data. The motivation of a malicious insider is usually financial gain, but sometimes they may be disgruntled and out for revenge.

REASON THREE: Finally, we have imposter theft. This is what we call it when someone has access to your credentials and uses them to access your business’s sensitive data.

Credential theft can be the costliest form of attack to recover from.

There are five key areas that must be in your strategy. Just remember every business is unique. To create a bespoke strategy, consult with a trusted IT support partner (hey, we can help with this!).

Key Area 1: Ongoing Education

Training your team is at the core of avoiding negligent insider attacks.

Key Area 2: Tailored, Multi-Layered Security

Of course, you need security software. You’re being trusted with the private data of your clients and employees.

Key Area 3: Restrict Access

Do you know who has access to which files within your business? Can everyone access everything, or are your files accessible only by those who really need them?

Key Area 4: Business Exit Protocol

We know that some insider threats are malicious. It’s sad, but true. And a percentage of these malicious attacks are carried out by disgruntled employees who will soon be leaving the business. So, what’s your protocol for leavers?

Key Area 5: Good Communication

It’s likely you already communicate well with your employees. But when it comes to security, it’s important that you tell everyone why you do things the way you do them. And remind them regularly.

Those are the five key areas for your insider threat strategy. There may be others depending on the kind of business you run, the data you handle and the clients you serve.

Keeping businesses safe before they have a data security problem is what your IT company should be consulting with you about. QCBN

By Theo Soumilas

For additional information or to schedule an appointment to assist your business, call 928.719.7724 or visit northernazit.com.

Theo Soumilas is the owner of Northern Arizona IT servicing Arizona.