What is an insider threat?

An insider threat refers to a security risk that originates from within the organization itself. This type of threat can arise from employees, contractors, or business partners who have insider access to the organization’s sensitive data and systems. Their actions, whether malicious or unintentional, can lead to significant security breaches, data leaks, or other detrimental outcomes for the organization.

Understanding this concept is crucial for effective risk management. Insider threats can be particularly challenging to mitigate since they often involve individuals who have legitimate access to systems and data. This access can enable them to exploit their position, either for personal gain or due to negligence, ultimately compromising the organization’s security.

The other options do not accurately define insider threats. External hackers represent a different category of risks, and while accidental data breaches and technology failures are concerns in the realm of cybersecurity, they do not specifically relate to the intentional or unintentional actions of insiders working within the organization.