Employees Can Be the Biggest Threat — and Asset — for Workplace Security Programs

MIN READAug 13, 2019 | 09:00 GMT

Insider threat actors can include current or former employees, contractors like Edward Snowden (pictured), service providers and business partners.

(FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP/Getty Images)

For companies and other organizations, sometimes the biggest threat comes from within. Beyond knowing the ins and outs of a facility and having a reason to be there, an "insider" can develop a detailed understanding of internal security programs, policies and procedures to help them plan out and conduct their crime.  At Stratfor, we think about the insider threat a lot as our team frequently analyzes incidents pertaining to our clients and subscribers. Insiders can pose an array of threats depending on the nature of the targeted organization. In other words, an elementary school will likely be more concerned with protecting children’s physical safety than a manufacturing company. Thus, it is important to ensure your security program protects against the full scope of threats that may impact your specific institution via comprehensive and cross-departmental efforts. ...