Understanding and Mitigating Insider Threats
Louis Blackburn, Operations Director, and Martin Ellis, Swarm Member at CovertSwarm, delve into the pressing issue of insider threats…
Malicious employees represent a significant security risk for organizations, often posing a greater threat than external cybercriminals due to their extensive access and permissions.
Many organizations underestimate the scale of these internal threats and fail to implement comprehensive guidelines for identifying and managing malicious or negligent employees. Typically, employee training focuses on recognizing signs of external threats like phishing and vishing, rather than addressing internal risks.
A recent DTEX report highlights the surge in IP theft, with insiders colluding with foreign entities. Uber’s breach, involving an adversary buying access to an internal account, underscores the severe consequences of inadequate internal threat awareness and policies.
Recognizing the types of threats and establishing appropriate frameworks is crucial to reducing the risk of insider incidents.
Key Insider Threats to Watch For
Organizations face several major insider threats:
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Malicious employees with deep knowledge of company systems can execute DoS attacks, overwhelming systems with illegitimate requests or exploiting vulnerabilities to disrupt operations.
- Sensitive Information Theft: Employees who leave with access to confidential information or credentials pose a risk. Implementing protocols to revoke access for departing employees is essential to prevent security breaches post-departure.
- Destruction of Critical Systems: Malicious deletion of essential data can have immediate and severe consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and erosion of client trust. While legal actions may be taken against such employees, the impact will already be significant.
Negligent Employees and Their Risks
Not all insider threats are malicious; negligence can also be dangerous. The rise of AI and LLM tools has increased the risk of accidental data leaks by employees. For instance, uploading confidential data into AI or LLM tools might inadvertently expose it through the tool’s responses. Organizations must establish clear policies for the use of AI and LLM tools to prevent data leakage.
Some LLMs include ‘add-ons’ that can be exploited to extract data, further emphasizing the need for strict data exposure controls.
Preventing Insider Threats
Many organizations still lack the necessary tools to detect or prevent the copying of sensitive information to portable devices. Enhancing security measures is crucial to address this vulnerability.
To effectively combat insider threats, organizations should invest in comprehensive security solutions, including robust monitoring systems, stringent access controls, and regular audits. Creating a culture of security awareness and implementing clear procedures for reporting suspicious behavior are also vital.
Implementing ISO Standards
Introducing ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 into business practices can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats. These frameworks offer valuable procedures and controls:
- ISO 27001: Focuses on information security management, emphasizing regular audits, access controls, and thorough employee training.
- ISO 42001: Provides a structured approach to occupational health and safety management, indirectly supporting security by fostering a safer work environment.
Organizations must ensure these standards are more than just formalities; they should be integrated into daily operations and regularly updated to enhance security and awareness among employees.
