Insider threat detection

External attacks are not the only cyber security threats an organization has to consider when planning their cyber security strategy. While you are busy fighting against cyber security threats like spyware or ransomware, the biggest threat your organization could originate from within.

Insider threats pose a growing threat to security, with the number of incidents growing 44% over the past two years and the cost of these incidents have also increased.

To prevent data loss by insiders, you need to first understand who the insiders could be and identify where the insider threat is originating from.

What is an insider threat?

An insider threat refers to a security risk posed by individuals within an organization who have legitimate access to systems and sensitive data but, either intentionally or unintentionally, misuse that access, potentially harming the organization. Unlike external threats, insider threats come from trusted individuals with authorized access, making them more difficult to detect and mitigate.

These insiders can be broadly classified into 3 types:

1. Malicious users: Malicious insiders are individuals who deliberately seek to harm the organization. This group may include disgruntled employees, individuals seeking financial gain, or those acting as double agents for competitors. These individuals use their access to steal sensitive data, manipulate systems, or disrupt operations. Examples of malicious behavior include - Selling proprietary data to competitors, sabotaging systems or processes for personal or political reasons, intentionally leaking confidential information.
2. Negligent/careless employees: Negligent insiders are employees who inadvertently put the organization at risk by failing to follow security best practices. They often ignore or bypass security protocols, leading to vulnerabilities that can be exploited. This category of insider threats is common and can involve- Falling victim to phishing scams due to lack of awareness, sharing passwords or sensitive information carelessly, downloading unauthorized applications or opening unverified attachments that introduce malware.
3. Compromised insiders: Compromised insiders are employees who unknowingly become a security threat. This occurs when their accounts are hijacked by external attackers, often through phishing, malware, or social engineering tactics. Once compromised, attackers can use the employee's credentials to access systems and steal data without raising suspicion. Examples include - Credentials stolen through a phishing attack, a personal device infected with malware that spreads into the company network, sharing login credentials with unauthorized persons leads to account misuse.

Each type of insider threat poses a serious risk, and early detection is crucial in preventing potential damage.

Importance of insider threat detection

Detecting insider threats is particularly challenging because these threats come from within the organization, involving individuals who are trusted and have authorized access to sensitive data. Unlike external threats that can be blocked through firewalls and other perimeter defenses, insider threats exploit the internal trust relationships within an organization.

The financial impact of insider threats is significant. According to a global study spanning over a 12 month period, the cost of activities to resolve insider threats is $15.4 million. (Highest cost recorded in North America at $17.53 million). Remember, this is just a rough estimate and organizations have reported 100s of millions of dollars in losses due to fines, SLA breaches, and intangible losses like diminished brand value and customer loyalty.

Insider threats are difficult to detect because:

1. Insiders know your organization better than external threats. Remember, these are employees that have access to the intricacies of the organization and likely know how it screens insiders and can effectively counter those strategies.
2. Insiders can know the existing vulnerabilities in the organization's network and systems, allowing them to steal valuable data under the radar.
3. Most cyber security tools are designed to defend the organization against external threats and not from the threats within.

Insider threat indicators: Technical giveaways

Although insider threat indicators are often difficult to differentiate from regular work routines, there are few giveaways to finding insider threat activity. These include individuals who are:

• Downloading unusually large amount of data.
• Repeatedly trying to access restricted data.
• Sharing sensitive data with external accounts.
• Suddenly showing spikes in traffic and bandwidth consumption.
• Trying to access data that is irrelevant to their job description.

Advanced techniques for detecting insider threats include user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA), machine learning, and data mining. These techniques can also help identify anomalies in employee behavior that may indicate malicious activity.

Defending against insiders

Curbing insider threats is not a one-time activity but a continuous process. Although it is difficult to eliminate insider threats, they can be minimized with the help of smart network security monitoring tools and by deploying employee best practices. Key strategies for defending against insider threats include:

• Implement Advanced Network Monitoring Tools: Traditional network security tools are often inadequate for detecting insider threats, as they primarily focus on external threats. Advanced monitoring tools, such as those with user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA), are essential for identifying suspicious internal activities. These tools can provide real-time insights into user behavior, enabling quicker responses to potential threats.
• Employee Training and Awareness: Regularly educate employees on the dangers of insider threats and the importance of following cybersecurity best practices. Training should cover how to recognize phishing attempts, protect sensitive data, and understand the consequences of security breaches. A well-informed workforce is a critical line of defense against insider threats.
• Pre-Hire and Exit Screening: Screen new hires thoroughly and implement robust offboarding processes for employees who leave the organization. This includes promptly revoking access to all systems and sensitive data upon termination. Establishing clear policies for these processes ensures that access is tightly controlled and that potential risks are mitigated.
• User Access Management (UAM): Implement strict access control policies, ensuring employees only have access to the data and systems necessary for their job. Limiting privileges based on roles minimizes the risk of data misuse. Establishing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) policies further enhances this strategy, ensuring that employees have access only to the information relevant to their roles.
• Monitor Behavioral and Digital Indicators: Continuously monitor employees' digital behavior, looking for unusual patterns, such as changes in access patterns or attempts to bypass security controls. Regular audits of security policies should be performed to detect anomalies that could indicate insider threats. This practice ensures that policies remain effective and adapt to emerging risks.
• Limit Privileged Access: Implement measures to restrict the duration of privileged access, ensuring that employees who temporarily require elevated access only have it for as long as necessary. This reduces the chances of data theft from users with unnecessary privileges. Regularly auditing and reviewing these access levels helps maintain a strong security posture.
• Audit and Review Security Policies Regularly: Regular audits and reviews of security policies are essential for maintaining their effectiveness against evolving threats. By consistently evaluating and updating these policies, organizations can identify weaknesses and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, fostering a proactive security culture.

To combat insider threats effectively, organizations need robust tools that monitor employee activities and detect early signs of malicious behavior. ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer has proven to be a valuable asset for network security administrators worldwide, offering features such as:

• Employee internet usage monitoring to track abnormal or suspicious online behavior.
• URL monitoring to identify access to unauthorized or risky websites.
• Change monitoring to detect unusual configuration changes that may indicate malicious insider activity.

By implementing these solutions, organizations can better protect themselves from insider threats. Try Firewall Analyzer free for 30 days.

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