Insider Threats: Friend or Foe?

An insider threat is a malicious activity targeted at an organization that originates from users who have lawful access to the network, apps, or databases. These users can be current or past employees or third parties with access to the organization's physical or digital assets, such as partners, contractors, or temporary workers. They can even take the form of hacked service accounts. While the word is most usually used to denote illegal or harmful activities, it can also refer to people who unintentionally cause harm to the business.

The majority of data breaches are caused by insider threats. Traditional cybersecurity plans, policies, procedures, and systems frequently concentrate on external threats, leaving the organization open to inside attacks. Because the insider already has valid access to data and systems, it is difficult for security professionals and software to discern between regular and dangerous activity.

Malicious insiders have a particular edge over other types of malicious attackers due to their familiarity with company systems, processes, procedures, policies, and users. They are familiar with system versions and their weaknesses. As a result, organizations must tackle insider threats with at least as much rigor as they address exterior ones.

Types of Insider Threats

Unplanned Threats

These are threats that come unintentionally from people within the organization, like employees or partners.

• Negligence: This occurs when an employee is aware of the safety rules but doesn't follow them. For instance, they might leave a secure door open, misplace a USB with critical data, or ignore software updates.
• Accidental: Sometimes, honest errors happen. An employee might mistakenly send an important email to the wrong person, click on a harmful link, or discard sensitive documents improperly.

Intentional Threats  

This refers to individuals within the organization purposely trying to cause harm. Their motivations could range from internal disputes, such as displeasure with missed promotions or perceived slights, to dreams to help a competitor or establish their own business. They may leak sensitive data, damage crucial equipment, steal proprietary concepts, or engage in other harmful activities that can seriously endanger the organization's operations, reputation, and bottom line.  

How to Protect Against Insider Attacks

Here are some recommended actions to safeguard against insider threats:

• Identify and safeguard key assets: Recognize what's most valuable in your organization, be it customer data, unique software, or specific workflows. Once identified, prioritize their protection.
• Set clear rules: Implement clear, well-understood policies. Ensure every team member is aware of security measures and the significance of protecting intellectual property.
• Monitor activities: Utilize technology and tools that help monitor employees' activities in real time. Techniques like deception technology can be instrumental in detecting any unusual or suspicious behaviors.
• Foster a security-conscious culture: It's essential not just to train but also to instill a sense of security among employees. Emphasize the importance of vigilance and promote a positive work atmosphere to reduce chances of discontent leading to malicious activities.

Now let's discuss about a zero-day vulnerability. A zero-day vulnerability refers to a flaw or weakness in software or hardware that can arise in any company or system at any time and remains unknown to those responsible for addressing it. Zero-day vulnerabilities are particularly threatening because they are, by definition, unknown. This means they can be exploited by attackers without the knowledge of the software or hardware vendor until they are discovered and patched. And in the time between discovery and the release of a fix, malicious actors can wreak havoc.

Imagine discovering a hidden entrance to your house that you weren't aware of, and neither was the builder. Until you become aware of it and can lock it, anyone who discovers it can enter without your knowledge. That's the real-world analogy of a zero-day vulnerability in the digital realm.

The terms 'exploit' and 'attack' are also frequently used in conjunction with zero-day, and it's important to understand the difference between zero-day vulnerability and them:

Zero-Day Exploit: If the vulnerability is the hidden door, the exploit is the special key or technique that bad actors craft to unlock and take advantage of that door. It's specially made to make use of that unknown flaw, making it a powerful tool for hackers.

Zero-Day Attack: This is the actual act of a hacker using their special key (exploit) to open the secret door (vulnerability). Once inside, they might cause harm, steal valuable information, or even take control of the system. It's a real threat because since the software makers aren't aware of the door, they can't warn users or offer solutions immediately.

How Zero-Day Attacks Take Place

Zero-day attacks begin when hackers discover an unknown flaw or vulnerability in software or a system, something even the software developers aren't aware of. With this knowledge, attackers create a specialized code designed to target this specific weak point, known as a "zero-day exploit." This exploit is then sneakily delivered to users, often through deceptive methods like phishing emails or compromised websites. When an unsuspecting individual interacts with this harmful content, the exploit is triggered, allowing the attacker to execute their malicious agenda. This can range from stealing sensitive data to taking control of the victim's device.

Protection against Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Individuals and organizations must adopt cyber security best practices to prevent zero-day vulnerabilities and keep their computers and data safe. This includes the following:

• Regularly Update Software: Always ensure your software is up-to-date. Vendors often release patches for known vulnerabilities, so regularly updating can protect against many potential threats.
• Use Security Software: Employ comprehensive security solutions that monitor suspicious activities, as they might be able to detect irregular patterns even if the exact vulnerability is unknown.
• Implement a Strong Security Culture: Educate employees and users about the importance of security. Simple habits, like not downloading suspicious files or clicking on dubious links, can make a significant difference.
• Network Segmentation: Dividing your network into segments ensures that if one part gets compromised, the attacker can't easily access the entire system.

For more insightful explanations on insider threats, be a part of our Introduction to Cybersecurity Online Training.