Threats can come from anywhere. They can come from hackers, burglars, natural disasters, you name it. But the threat that some agencies may not anticipate can come from within. This is why insider threat awareness is so important. Recognizing that danger can originate from someone within an organization is an uncomfortable thought, but one that needs to be considered.
Recognizing the potential for insider threats is a good first step, but it’s far from the whole solution. To achieve success, everyone has to come together. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the importance of insider threat training for all employees.
Why Employee Insider Threat Awareness Matters
As it’s physically impossible for one person or even just a few people to be able to spot every potential threat,your employees are in a unique position to observe the telltale signs of insider threats: unusual behavior, suspicious activity, and deviations in procedure that automated systems are equipped to detect. The human capacity to detect early warning signs is invaluable to prevent data breaches or other forms of damage.
With that said, not all seemingly suspicious behavior is an act of ill intent. Sometimes, employees simply make mistakes and, unfortunately, such mistakes have the potential to be catastrophic. Effective insider threat training for all of your employees will not only allow them to identify threats, but determine if these threats are acts of intentional sabotage or accidents and missteps.
Key Insider Threat Indicators Employees Should Recognize
There are several threat indicators your employees should be made aware of. When they know how to spot them, your insider threat protection grows significantly more effective.
Suspicious Behavior
Train your employees to be on the lookout for behavioral shifts that could indicate something is amiss. These indicators can include:
- Sudden aggression towards coworkers or leadership
- Repeated violation of company policies
- Attempts to access information not related to their role
- Expressions of hardship related to finances
Technical Indicators
Digital activity can be a valuable indicator of potential insider threats, such as:
- Large data downloads that can’t be explained
- Accessing from unauthorized devices or at odd hours
- Attempts to disable security firewalls
- Uploading files to unapproved platforms
Physical Indicators
The digital space sees plenty of insider threats, but there are plenty of physical warning signs as well:
- “Tailgating,” or letting unauthorized people into secure locations
- Tampering with security equipment like keypads or cameras
- Removing company property without permission
- Ignoring visitor protocols and bypassing access procedures
Building an Effective Insider Threat Training Program
Insider threat awareness comes from a strong training program. We’ve gone over what could indicate a threat, but that knowledge means nothing if nobody knows the process.
One effective way to train your employees is by using real-world examples (like the Yahoo employee who allegedly stole trade secrets) and scenario-based learning. This helps employees understand how real threats can manifest and how to respond with haste. To compound this method’s effects, incorporate regular refresher courses. This will allow you to keep the training top of mind and implement changes to your responses as threats evolve.
One other thing that’s important is to provide the proper training to the proper departments. For example, employees who never touch a computer at work won’t have much use for extensive cybersecurity training.
Creating a Safe and Clear Reporting Process
If you don’t have a secure process for reporting in place, even the most highly trained employees may feel discouraged from speaking out when they notice a red flag.
- Provide clear instructions on the process for reporting concerns. This could be through an online form, email, hotline, or even a direct in-person report.
- Emphasize that there is no retaliation for reports. If an employee speaks up in good faith, they will not be penalized for it.
- Ensure the confidentiality of any reports made. When employees know that the information they provide will only be shared with appropriate people, they will be more comfortable bringing an issue to light.
Encouraging a Security-First Culture
Training is certainly important in maintaining insider threat awareness, but your chances of stopping threats increase greatly when you successfully foster a security- and safety-focused work culture. Promote open communication and shared responsibility when it comes to identifying threats. When people feel like they’re contributing to a team effort, they’re more likely to step up.
You can also deliver regular reminders that proactive security behavior can be incredibly effective. Think of the “if you see something, say something” slogan you see in many public spaces.
Here’s a final thought before we wrap this up: Reward employees who demonstrate acute insider threat awareness. Positive reinforcement can go a long way!
Your Security Depends on Insider Threat Awareness
When your employees have a deep understanding of the indicators of insider threats and how to handle them, they become an invaluable asset to your organization. Ongoing education and adaptation to insider threat trends is vital in this effort, as well. At GEM Technology, we know how damaging the threats posed by inside sources can be. For more information on how you can keep your organization and people safe and secure, start a conversation with us. We’re happy to help!