Insider Threats and GRC: When the Danger Comes from Within
News and information from the Advent IM team.
by Ellie Hurst ASYi, Commerical Director
Insider threats are the workplace equivalent of your cat suddenly deciding to attack your laptop while you’re on an important video call. 🐾 Predictable? Rarely. Disruptive? Always. Whether accidental or deliberate, insider threats can cause chaos in ways external hackers can only dream of.
In the realm of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), addressing insider risks is critical—but often overlooked. Many businesses focus their energy on external threats like phishing and ransomware, only to be blindsided by a problem originating from their own team.
So, let’s explore insider threats, why they happen, and how to mitigate them—sprinkled with practical examples and just a touch of humour to keep things light (because no one wants to imagine someone from HR going rogue!).
What is an Insider Threat?
An insider threat is any security risk that comes from within the organisation—whether it’s an employee, contractor, or partner. These threats are generally divided into three categories:
A recent 2023 report from Ponemon Institute found that insider threats have increased by 44% in the last two years, with the average cost of an insider incident reaching a staggering £11.5 million per year.
Sobering, right? Let’s break down how to tackle this.
Top Priorities for Mitigating Insider Threats
Think of sensitive data like a tin of tuna. You wouldn’t leave it unattended in a room full of cats, and the same logic applies here.
Let’s face it: most employees don’t wake up thinking about cybersecurity. That’s why training needs to be engaging, practical, and (dare we say it) fun.
Humour can go a long way here. Explain that a bad password (“password123”) is like leaving your front door open with a sign saying, “Free snacks inside.” Or, if it were me, “Free Cats inside.”
Nobody wants to feel like they’re working in a Big Brother environment, but subtle monitoring is essential.
Remember, monitoring should always comply with privacy regulations like GDPR—so no snooping on employees’ personal emails! If you need help on how to appropriately monitor employees in a respectful way, we have a video that can help you or you can always get in touch… click here for video.
Even the best systems can fail, just like a locked treat cupboard sometimes fails to keep out a determined cat. You need a clear plan for when things go wrong.
Test your incident response plan regularly—after all, you wouldn’t wait until a fire to test your extinguisher.
Insider threat mitigation isn’t about turning your office into a high-stakes spy thriller. The goal is to create an environment where employees understand risks, feel accountable, and are encouraged to report concerns.
Why It Matters
According to a 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 22% of security incidents involve insider threats. While the majority are accidental, the consequences can still be devastating—think data breaches, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.
Insider threat mitigation is about balance: protecting your organisation while empowering employees. With the right mix of access control, training, monitoring, and preparation, you can reduce risks without creating a culture of paranoia.
Insider threats may seem unpredictable, but with a solid GRC framework in place, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way—whether it’s a rogue employee or an overly curious cat. 🐾
What steps has your organisation taken to mitigate insider threats? Let’s share insights.
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