Using managed IT services can make you feel better about your online safety, but what about threats that come from employees? Yes, insider threats are very real and can potentially cause major damage to your business. But don’t worry, because managed cybersecurity understands and addresses these and other risks.
Understanding Insider Threats
So, where do insider threats come from? They can originate from current or former employees, contractors, or even third-party vendors who have access to your company’s sensitive information. Here are the most common types:
- Malicious Insiders: These individuals may intentionally harm your business by stealing data, sharing confidential information, or disrupting operations.
- Negligent Employees: More often, insider threats are unintentional and happen because of human error—like clicking a link in an unsecured email. These actions can lead to data breaches or malware infections.
- Compromised Credentials: Hackers may also target your employees and steal their login credentials, allowing them access to your systems and sensitive data.
You may think that your business is immune to these risks due to its small size, the trust you have in your employees’ decision-making abilities, or because of your strong security measures. However, these threats can undermine any business, no matter the size.
One major data breach caused by an insider threat was that of the U.S. retail giant Target. One of their third-party contractors unknowingly granted access to hackers who managed to steal the credit card details of nearly 40 million customers. This incident resulted in substantial financial losses and damage to the company’s reputation.
These threats are always present, which is why it’s so important to understand them and protect against them.
The Role of Human Behavior
Human behavior plays a critical role in understanding insider threats. While many employees are diligent and trustworthy, the reality is that stress, coercion, or a sense of disenfranchisement can push individuals to act in ways that harm the company.
Because of the unpredictability of human nature, it’s hard to identify potential insider threats. For instance, an employee working late hours could be earnestly meeting a deadline but it’s also possible that they are accessing sensitive information during off-peak times.
Internal threats often go unnoticed because employees typically have legitimate access to specific systems and data, making it even more challenging to detect suspicious activities. Managed cybersecurity services play a pivotal role in monitoring, identifying, and mitigating insider threats.
Managed Cybersecurity: A Solution to Protect Your Business
Managed cybersecurity services are comprehensive security solutions provided by IT professionals. These tech experts are there to help your business safeguard digital assets from both external and internal threats. They can detect any unusual activity, such as unauthorized access or data sharing, and respond immediately before it causes harm to your business.
These cybersecurity solutions strike a balance between technology and human behavior. It employs advanced systems to secure your networks while understanding human factors that could lead to security risks.
This two-pronged approach offers proactive protection that anticipates and thwarts cyber threats before they occur, saving your business from costly downtime.
Key Components of Managed Cybersecurity
Now that we’ve established the importance of managed cybersecurity against insider threats, let’s look at some key components that make up these services:
Access Management
Managed service providers can help enforce access management by defining data access permissions and restricting sensitive information to authorized personnel.
Regular Audits
This is essential in helping identify any potential security gaps. This practice can also detect unusual activity, like data being accessed at odd hours or from suspicious locations.
Intrusion Detection Systems
These services can implement sophisticated systems that monitor your network and systems for any signs of an attack, providing real-time alerts to enable swift action.
Incident Response
In the event of a security incident, cybersecurity experts can help coordinate an effective response to minimize damage, recover lost data, and identify the source of the breach.
Continuous Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of your networks and systems can identify potential insider threats before they become a major risk. Monitoring tools are designed to detect anomalies that may signal misconduct or negligence.
While being proactive about security is important, the significance of security policies, comprehensive employee training, and well-prepared incident response plans cannot be overstated in any cybersecurity approach. To safeguard your business, it’s essential to have these three elements operating in harmony.
Employee Education and Training
Education and training are central to mitigating insider threats and improving overall cybersecurity posture. When employees are well informed about potential cyber threats and how their actions can unintentionally open doors for hackers, they are less likely to fall into the trap of phishing scams or succumb to social engineering tactics.
Here are some cybersecurity best practices for your business:
- Encourage employees to use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Train your employees on how to spot phishing emails and never click on suspicious links or attachments.
- Teach your employees the importance of verifying credentials before sharing sensitive information with anyone, even if it’s someone they know personally.
- Have a clear reporting system for employees to report any suspicious activity or security incidents.
Be sure to encourage continued education via ongoing cybersecurity awareness programs. These programs are not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process that keeps employees up-to-date with the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
By investing in cybersecurity education and training for employees, you can strengthen your business’s first line of defense against cyber threats—essentially creating a human firewall that complements the technological safeguards in place.
How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Provider
Selecting the right cybersecurity provider is of the utmost importance. Look for a provider with a strong track record and expertise in your industry. They should offer comprehensive services, including 24/7 monitoring, immediate incident response, regular audits, and employee training. Remember, your business’s security is a top priority and it’s crucial to entrust it to competent and reliable professionals.
Trust adrytech to Protect Your Business
At adrytech, we understand the complex nature of insider threats and tailor our cybersecurity services to meet your business needs. With years of experience in providing top-notch IT support for businesses, we have a deep understanding of human behavior and the latest technological solutions that can protect against these risks.
Take a proactive step in safeguarding your business by contacting us for a free quote today.
