insider threat

An insider threat refers to the risk posed by individuals within an organization, such as employees or contractors, who may misuse their access to confidential information or systems. This can happen intentionally, like stealing sensitive data, or unintentionally, such as inadvertently causing security breaches through negligence. Insider threats can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage for organizations. Because these individuals already have legitimate access, detecting and preventing insider threats can be more challenging than external cyber threats. Organizations must establish strong security protocols and foster a culture of vigilance among all members.