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Insider threats are evolving in sophisticated ways, and they continue to pose significant risks to our workspaces today. Whether it’s a coworker forgetting to lock the drawer housing the most important contracts, a third-party vendor unknowingly bringing malware into the company network, or a threat actor posing as your IT guy to steal company secrets directly, insider threats are hazardous to your data.
3 out of 4 organizations are moderately to extremely vulnerable to insider attacks, and these incidents are becoming more frequent. That’s why we’re diving into the top 10 emerging and persisting insider threats to be on the lookout for in 2025.
Data Exfiltration with AI Tools
The rise of AI-based tools has made it easier for employees to capture and transfer sensitive data. Employees may leverage AI chatbots and generative models for productivity, but these tools can inadvertently store or transfer proprietary information. Watch out for unauthorized usage of such tools in sensitive contexts.
Hybrid Work Environment and Insider Threats Challenges
As remote and hybrid work continue, so do the risks associated with less-controlled environments. Employees working outside the office may use personal devices that lack the same security controls as corporate devices, or they may access company data over unsecured networks. This can increase the chances of data leaks, whether intentional or accidental.
Financial Fraud and Social Engineering
Financially motivated employees or contractors could manipulate transactions, use credentials of former employees, or engage in insider trading with proprietary information. Social engineering can also be a threat, as employees may be tricked into providing sensitive information.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Insider Threats Activity
Employees often have access to sensitive information about mergers or acquisitions, which can be tempting to sell or leak. M&A information can also create job insecurity, increasing the risk of employees misusing information or access before they exit.
Third-party and Contractors can be Insider Threats
Many companies are increasingly reliant on third-party vendors, contractors, and gig workers who might not be held to the same security standards. Disgruntled or underpaid contractors could exploit their access or copy proprietary data for personal gain or sabotage.
Shadow IT and Unauthorized Apps
Employees may use unauthorized applications to make work easier, such as file-sharing services, messaging platforms, or unapproved SaaS products. Shadow IT bypasses security protocols, potentially leaving sensitive data vulnerable to leaks or breaches.
Data Deletion or Corruption by Disgruntled Employees
Employees with access to databases or files might be tempted to delete or corrupt data as an act of retaliation, especially if they feel underappreciated or are about to leave the company.
Access Creep and Insider Threats
Employees may accumulate unnecessary access permissions over time, leading to increased risks if those credentials are misused. Regular audits of access permissions are crucial to prevent unintentional insider threats due to excessive privileges.
Internal Phishing Attempts
In some cases, employees themselves can be a source of phishing or social engineering within the company. They may attempt to gain access to sensitive information by phishing coworkers, especially if they have personal grievances or external incentives.
Negligent Behavior
Unintentional actions, such as mishandling sensitive information or failing to follow security protocols, can also lead to data breaches. If you’re contributing to a workplace culture that prioritizes security awareness, you help reduce the risk of accidental data misuse.
Even without direct control over access levels or auditing processes, you can still play a significant role in building security awareness and encouraging secure practices among coworkers. By staying proactive and fostering a culture of security, you can help mitigate these insider threats in your workplace. As the new year dawns, let’s pledge to keep up to date on our security awareness trainings, report suspicious behavior when we see it, and learn the avenues for responding to threats from anyone inside OR outside of the organization.
Commonwealth Sentinel can help your organization stay secure by implementing robust password policies, utilizing practical multi-factor authentication tools, and providing comprehensive in-person cyber training for your entire staff. It only takes one skilled cyber criminal to cause damage, so your team must always remain vigilant. To schedule a consultation, click here or contact us at (502) 320-9885.
At Commonwealth Sentinel, we are focused on cyber security so that you can focus on other things.