Insider threats: Examples and prevention

Cybersecurity experts often focus on external threats, but insiders can be just as dangerous. A trusted employee, contractor, or vendor can suddenly cause a data breach, either by mistake or guided by bad intentions. Either way, insider threats are among the hardest security challenges to detect and prevent because they come from those with legitimate access. Unlike traditional cybersecurity threats, these attacks don’t require advanced hacking skills — just misplaced trust or a lapse in judgment. Organizations that fail to recognize and prepare for these risks are leaving their doors wide open to disaster. This article breaks down what you need to know to stay ahead of insider threats.