Most data security measures focus on keeping intruders from
infiltrating company devices, but insider threats are also increasingly
dangerous. Sony found that out the hard way in 2014. The physical doors at Sony
were supposedly left open, allowing a group of hackers to wreak total havoc.
The intruders freely accessed company computers and other equipment. They stole
and leaked confidential, sensitive information, released films, and more. Recovery
of damages caused by the insider threat cost Sony $15 million.
“Insider
Threats” Defined
An insider threat occurs
when someone uses authorized access to misuse an organization’s critical data.
Examples of individuals who can become insider threats are current employees,
terminated employees, contractors, partners, and third-party vendors. According
to more than 54 percent of executives in Fortune 1000 companies surveyed, they
believe that discovering and preventing insider attacks is difficult. The
executives are correct.
How
Can Managed Services Providers (MSPs) Help?
Only large companies can usually afford the great expense
of on-site IT security that provides the latest protections against
cyberattacks plus constantly monitors activities for the purpose of detecting
insider attacks. The beauty of bringing a managed service provider (MSP)
onboard to handle data and network security is that even small companies can
usually afford their essential services.
A complete solution for insider threats involves continuous
monitoring to identify abnormal behavior, immediately investigating suspicious
user activity, reducing risk with real-time user blocking, making user data
anonymous, plus other measures. These capabilities go beyond the scope of what
typical IT departments for small and medium-sized businesses can achieve.
MSPs often have a diverse staff that includes security specialists, and their services provide continuous monitoring to identify and mitigate possible insider threats.
Contact Aperio IT to develop a cybersecurity plan and protect your business from both external and internal threats.
