It’s Not Always Malicious, But It’s Still a Threat
Much of this blog has focused on the classic insider threat: employees who decide to take your confidential information with them, using it to land a job with a competitor or to start their own business.
What’s talked about far less is a different, but equally dangerous, scenario: insiders who unwittingly leak your company’s sensitive information. The likelihood of this happening is only increasing.
The Accidental Insider
Many people think of phishing in terms of fake wire transfer requests from a “CEO.” But these same tactics can easily target your intellectual property or trade secrets.
We’ve all become so focused on moving fast, capturing every opportunity, and being ultra-responsive that we often let our guard down. As a result, we’re less careful about how we interact with the outside world and less skeptical of what we see on our screens.
The truth is, the old days of thinking security isn’t your job because you’re “just using the computer for work” are long gone. Everyone plays a part now.
The Real Gaps: Mindset and Training
One of the biggest weaknesses we see in small to mid-sized organizations is lack of security training. Too many people still believe their antivirus software will protect them. But antivirus tools are reactive, they typically only look for threats once someone’s already been hit and the signature is known.
Then there’s the bigger problem: the persistent mindset of “It’s not my job.” That attitude keeps people from pausing before opening, clicking, or engaging with suspicious emails.
Standard phishing tip sheets and reminders aren’t enough. Employees need a reset on basic common sense around technology, a healthy skepticism that prompts them to question what lands in their inbox or appears on their screen.
Yes, people like to say “common sense isn’t so common.” But that’s precisely why businesses need more hands-on training that sticks.
Your Weakest Link Might Be Outside Your Walls
Until companies, and to some extent their IT teams, prioritize this, the problem will continue.
If your IT is outsourced, your responsibility doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s even more critical to demand that your vendors deliver strong security training and protections.
Remember, the massive Target breach years ago started with a security failure at an HVAC vendor. Your network is only as secure as the weakest vendor that touches it. Your IT provider sets the tone and should be holding a high standard.
Invest in Better Awareness
So what’s the takeaway? Invest in training. Help your employees develop a sharper eye for things that don’t look right, just like you trust your receptionist to spot someone suspicious walking through the door.
And don’t forget, we’re still plagued by spam and phishing because enough people continue to click and respond. That keeps the cycle alive.
It’s time to stop the madness. Make sure your team knows how to recognize a threat before it becomes your next headline.