Internal Threats: important source of data breaches
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Internal threats (or the human factor) often remain underestimated, even though they are among the main causes of data breaches and operational disruptions. They involve anyone with legitimate access within the organization (employees, subcontractors, etc.). Why are they so considerable, and what key measures can protect against them?
What is an internal threat and why is it so dangerous?
- Legitimate Access: Internal users (employees, contractors) already have authorization to access systems or data.
- Detection Challenges: Traditional security tools (firewalls, antivirus) mainly focus on external threats and are poor at detecting abnormal behavior from an authorized individual.
- Human Factor: Dissatisfaction, negligence, or simple lack of knowledge can lead to actions that harm the organization.
Three Aspects of Internal Threats
- Malicious Intent: Data theft, sabotage, extortion.
- Negligence: Unintentional errors (e.g., mishandling of data, opening a phishing email).
- Mixed: An external attacker exploits an employee’s vulnerability to infiltrate the network.
Warning Signs and Indicators to Monitor
- Unusual Logins: Abnormal schedules, unknown IP addresses.
- Repeated Access to Sensitive Folders without a valid professional reason.
- Massive Downloads or Copying of Data to an external device.
- Sudden Behavior Changes: Irritability, resentment, disengagement.
- Social Engineering Attempts (phishing, vishing, etc.) targeting internal personnel.
Simply spotting unusual behavior does not confirm malicious intent, but it can be an early warning sign that needs serious attention.
Key Measures for Protection
a) Implement Clear Internal Security Policies
- Governance: Define rights, obligations, and sanctions in case of non-compliance.
- Data Classification: Clearly separate information based on sensitivity (public, restricted, confidential).
b) Effectively Manage Identities and Privileges
- Least Privilege Principle: Grant each user only the access essential to their role.
- Centralized Access Management (IAM): Automate the creation and revocation of permissions (especially when an employee leaves).
- Privileged Account Control: Closely monitor the actions of system and database administrators.
c) Strengthen the Security Culture
- Regular Training: Interactive modules to recognize phishing attempts, best practices for passwords, etc.
- Ongoing Communication: Frequent reminders, sharing news about cyberattacks.
- Executive Support: Management must endorse and promote security initiatives, making it a corporate priority.
d) Detect and Respond Quickly
- Activity Log Monitoring (SIEM): Continuous log analysis to detect anomalies.
- UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics): Solutions that use AI to identify unusual behavior patterns.
- Incident Response Plan: Clearly define the steps to follow in case of suspected malicious activity (roles, responsibilities, escalation).
e) Test Vigilance: Phishing Campaigns
Why?
- Measure the click rate on potentially dangerous links.
- Assess the type of actions and the associated risk level (for example, whether the user also provided sensitive information).
- Identify and target the highest-risk groups.
- Reinforce awareness through concrete feedback.
How?
- Develop realistic scenarios (emails, IT support, HR, invoices, etc.).
- Analyze results to adapt training.
- Avoid stigmatization: the goal is to learn and strengthen vigilance.
Conclusion
Internal threats pose a major risk to an organization’s security and continuity. They combine legitimate access to sensitive information with complex human factors (errors, dissatisfaction, social engineering).
A comprehensive and continuous strategy is necessary to anticipate and mitigate risks associated with internal threats. By adopting these best practices, you will protect not only your data and systems but also your reputation and the trust of your partners.
Additional Resources:
- ANSSI (Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d’Information)
- CERT Insider Threat Center – Carnegie Mellon University
- Pensez cybersécurité : https://www.pensezcybersecurite.gc.ca/fr
How can Secur01 help you?
Secur01 has the compliance expertise, cybersecurity competence and experience of multiple cyber risk mandates for clients of all sizes and industries.
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