28 Oct Secure Your Business from the Inside: Tackling Internal Cyber Threats
You might have invested in top-tier security tools to guard against external cyberattacks, but what about the threats that originate from within your own walls?
Employees, partners, vendors, and even you can unintentionally (or deliberately) pose security risks. That’s why protecting your business from internal cyber threats is just as critical as defending it from outside attacks. In this article, we’ll walk through the types of insider threats, how to recognize warning signs, and most importantly, how to prevent them.
What Are Internal Cyber Threats?
Insider threats come in many forms, and each can jeopardize your business in different ways. Here are some of the most common internal threats to cybersecurity to watch for:
1. Data Theft
Sensitive company data can be stolen by insiders—either physically (by taking company devices) or digitally (by copying or leaking files). Often, this is done for personal gain or out of malice.
Example: An employee at a healthcare organization downloads patient data and sells it on the dark web.
2. Intentional Sabotage
A frustrated staff member, an activist, or someone acting on behalf of a competitor might intentionally disrupt your operations—damaging equipment, deleting files, or locking users out of systems.
Example: A worker, upset over a dispute, tampers with systems or files to cause operational disruptions.
3. Unauthorized Access
Someone gaining access to confidential data without proper permissions, either by exploiting credentials or by mistake, puts your business at serious risk.
Example: An employee logs into restricted files using their own access credentials and shares the information with a rival company.
4. Mistakes & Negligence
Not every threat is malicious. Sometimes it’s simple human error, like misplacing a device or clicking a phishing link—can lead to data breaches or malware infections.
Example: An employee accidentally downloads ransomware by clicking a suspicious email link or loses a company laptop with sensitive files.
5. Sharing Credentials
Giving someone else access to your login info is like handing them the keys to your office—you lose control over what they might do.
Example: An employee logs into their email on a friend’s device and forgets to log out. That device later gets hacked, exposing company data.
Detect Insider Cyber Threats in Your Business
Spotting red flags early can help you avoid bigger problems down the road. Here are signs to watch for:
-Unusual activity: Employees accessing files or systems outside their responsibilities.
-Large data transfers: Transferring massive amounts of data to USB drives or cloud storage.
-Repeated access requests: Requests for elevated permissions or sensitive data not relevant to someone’s role.
-Use of personal devices: Accessing company systems on non-approved hardware.
-Disabled security tools: Attempts to bypass antivirus or firewall protections.
-Behavioral changes: Sudden mood swings, missed deadlines, or signs of burnout could signal deeper issues.
How to Strengthen Your Internal Cyber Threat Security
Here are five effective ways to build a security-first culture within your business:
-Adopt strong password practices and enable multi-factor authentication for all users.
-Limit data access to only what employees need, and regularly review permissions.
-Train your team on security best practices and help them recognize suspicious behavior.
-Back up critical data regularly to minimize damage in the event of a breach.
-Create an incident response plan that outlines exactly what to do when an insider threat is detected.
You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Dealing with internal cybersecurity threats can be complex and time-consuming—but you don’t have to manage it all by yourself.
Partnering with a trusted IT service provider gives you access to the tools, expertise, and support you need to protect your business from the inside out.
At RelevantTec, we’re experts at helping companies monitor for early warning signs, respond to incidents quickly, and implement strategies that keep your business safe. Reach out for a free consultation today to learn how we can help you detect cyber threats in your business at a cost that won’t break the bank.