Part 7: Insider Threats
When we speak with clients about their cybersecurity strategies, the conversation almost always centres on external threats. It’s surprising how often the prioritisation of insider threats falls lower on their list. Yet, organisations are statistically more likely to lose data to an insider—whether through malice or accident—than to an external attacker.
Accidental Insider Threats
Insider threats can indeed be malicious, but they can also be purely accidental. In a previous blog post on Human Error, we discussed how no one is infallible. Simple mistakes, like sending an email containing confidential data to the wrong recipient, happen more often than we’d like to admit. We’ve all experienced that moment when we type the first few letters of a name, select the wrong email address, hit “send,” and watch helplessly as sensitive information flies into the wrong inbox.
The frequency of such mistakes underscores the importance of a well-structured Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategy. Organisations need to recognise that human error is inevitable, but the consequences of these errors can be mitigated. DLP policies can be configured to notify users when an email contains sensitive data, prompting them to classify the email as “Confidential.” This simple action can prevent unintentional data breaches. Furthermore, by restricting certain staff from sending emails that include sensitive data, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of accidental data loss.
Preventative Measures
Even for those who are permitted to send confidential emails, additional safeguards are essential. Automatic encryption is a key measure that ensures sensitive information remains protected, even if it ends up in the wrong hands. Moreover, many DLP solutions offer the ability to revoke an email before it is opened, adding another layer of protection.
Beyond email, organisations must also consider the security of files stored and shared internally. Implementing Access Controls that dictate who can access specific folders and files is a critical step in protecting sensitive data. Without these controls, it’s far too easy for information to be accessed by individuals who don’t need it, increasing the risk of insider threats.
Deliberate Insider Threats
Deliberate insider threats, however, require a different approach. These threats can originate from any staff member—permanent or temporary—who has internal access to your systems. The risk is amplified in environments where access controls are poorly managed, allowing too many employees to access sensitive data. This is where implementing robust Access Controls becomes critical.
Access Controls assign permissions to folders and files, ensuring that only those who truly need access can obtain it. Over time, Access Controls can become unwieldy, with some organisations finding themselves managing hundreds of permissions. This complexity can lead to errors in access management, making it difficult to track who has access to what.
One solution to this problem is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), where users are assigned roles within their department, simplifying access management significantly. Instead of managing permissions on an individual basis, organisations can manage them by role, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that access is granted on a need-to-know basis.
The Importance of DLP and Access Controls
Classifying sensitive data and applying DLP policies further limit the movement of files, both internally and externally, adding another layer of protection. These measures help to prevent unauthorised access and ensure that sensitive data is only shared with those who are authorised to view it.
However, implementing DLP policies and Access Controls is no small task. Many organisations struggle—sometimes to the point of failure—because these projects are deeply intertwined with both business operations and IT. It’s not just about deploying technology; it’s about aligning it with the business processes and ensuring that employees understand and adhere to the policies.
Often, the project lead must bridge the gap between IT and the business to ensure success. This requires a deep understanding of both the technical aspects of DLP and Access Controls and the business processes they are designed to protect. It’s a challenging task, but one that is essential for protecting sensitive data.
PTS: Your Partner in Data Security
At PTS, we understand the complexities involved in safeguarding your organisation from insider threats. Our tailored solutions in DLP and Access Controls are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing processes, ensuring both robust security and operational efficiency. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or refining existing protocols, our expertise can help you navigate the challenges and implement strategies that meet the highest standards of security and compliance.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you protect your most valuable data while enabling your business to thrive.
