Here’s How to Stop Insider Threats
One of the most difficult types of attacks to detect are those performed by insiders. An “insider” is anyone that has legitimate access to your company network and data, via a login or other authorised connection.
Because insiders have authorised access to your system, they bypass certain security defenses. Such as those designed to keep intruders out. Since a logged-in user isn’t seen as an intruder, those security protections aren’t triggered.
J700 Group found there are three troubling statistics from a recent report by Ponemon Institute They illustrate the importance of addressing this threat. Insider attacks are getting worse, taking longer to detect and becoming more extensive.
This report found that over the last two years:
- Insider attacks have increased by 44%
- It takes organizations 85 days to contain an insider threat, compared to 77 days in 2020.
- The average cost of addressing insider threats has risen by 34%
J700 set out some top tips for companies to understand what makes up an insider threat and how to help mitigate the threat.
4 Main Types of Insider Threats
One reason that insider threats can be so hard to detect is that there is not just the one kind. Employees, vendors, and hackers can all perpetrate insider security breaches, in addition, some may be malicious and others accidental.
Here are the four main types of insider threats faced by business and company networks.
Malicious/Disgruntled Employee
For example, a sales employee is leaving the company and may decide to take all their contacts with them. This is classed as malicious theft of company data.
Another example of this type of insider attack is a disgruntled employee. They may be upset with their manager who just fired them and decide to do the business harm. They could plant ransomware or make a deal with a hacker to give over their login credentials for cash.
Careless/Negligent Employee
Some insider threats are due to untrained or lazy employees. They don’t mean to cause a data breach however may accidentally share classified data on a non-secure platform. Or they may use a friend’s computer to access their business apps as they are completely unaware of the security consequences.
3rd Party with Access to Your Systems
J700 Group points out that outsiders with access to your network are also real concern, such as contractors, freelancers, and vendors can all constitute as an insider breach risk.
You must ensure these third parties are fully reviewed before you give them any system access. You should allow your IT partner to review them for any data security concerns.
Hacker That Compromises a Password
Compromised login credentials are one of the most dangerous types of insider threats. This has now become the #1 driver of data breaches around the world.
When a cybercriminal can access an employee’s login, that criminal becomes an “insider.” Your computer system reads them as the legitimate user.
Ways to Lesson Insider Threats
Insider threats can be very difficult to detect after the fact. However, if you put mitigation measures in place you can stop them in their tracks. Being proactive keeps you from suffering a costly incident. One that you may not know about for months.
Here are some of the best strategies for reducing insider threat risk.
Full Background Checks
When hiring new employees make sure you do a thorough background check. Malicious insiders will typically have red flags in their work history. You want to do the same with any vendors or contractors that will have access to your systems.
Endpoint Device Solutions
Mobile devices now make up about 60% of the endpoints in a company. But many businesses aren’t using a solution to manage device access to resources.
Put an endpoint management solution in place to monitor device access. You can also use this to safelist devices and block unauthorized devices by default
Multi-factor Authentication & Password Security
One of the best ways to fight credential theft is through multi-factor authentication. Hackers have a hard time getting past the 2nd factor. They rarely have access to a person’s mobile device or FIDO security key.
Couple this with password security. This includes:
- Requiring strong passwords in your cloud apps
- Using a business password manager
- Requiring unique passwords for all logins
Employee Data Security Training
Training for staff in your business in Lancashire and Manchester can help you mitigate the risk of a breach through carelessness. Train employees on proper data handling and security policies governing sensitive information.
Network Monitoring
Once someone has user access to your system, how can you catch them doing something wrong? You do this through intelligent network monitoring.
Use AI-enabled threat monitoring. This allows you to detect strange behaviors as soon as they happen. For example, someone downloading a large number of files. Or someone logging in from outside the country.
Need Help Putting a Stop to Insider Attacks?
J700 Group recommends a layered security solution can help you mitigate all four types of insider threats. We can help you with a robust yet affordable solution. Contact J700 Group today for a free consultation.
J700 Group are a Lancashire-based, family-run, professional and responsive, Managed Solutions Provider helping Businesses, to utilise Innovative IT Consultancy Services, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security, Microsoft 365, Telecoms, Web Design and SEO solutions to propel their organisation to the next level and beyond.
As an experienced IT Support Provider, helping businesses across Lancashire & Manchester, if you need any assistance with your IT including IT Hardware, a Disaster Recovery Policy or Managed Backup Solutions, please contact us
Where to find us: Prinny Mill Business Centre, 68 Blackburn Road, Haslingden, Lancashire, BB4 5HL
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