Define “insider threat.”

An insider threat refers to a security risk that arises from within an organization, typically involving employees, contractors, or business partners who have access to sensitive information or systems. These individuals may unintentionally expose the organization to risk through negligent behavior, such as mishandling data or failing to follow security protocols. Alternatively, an insider threat can also arise from malicious actions, where individuals intentionally exploit their access to data or systems for personal gain, sabotage, or to cause harm to the organization.

This definition emphasizes the nature of insider threats as internal risks rather than external ones. Understanding insider threats is crucial for organizations because they often have legitimate access to critical systems and data, making it challenging to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with their actions.