Cybersecurity measures are frequently focused on threats from outside an organization rather than threats posed by untrustworthy individuals inside an organization. However, insider threats are the source of many losses in critical infrastructure industries. Additionally, well-publicized insiders have caused irreparable harm to national security interests. An insider threat is defined as the threat that an employee or a
contractor will use his or her authorized access, wittingly or unwittingly, to do harm to the security of the United States. Although policy violations can be the result of carelessness or accident, the primary focus of this project is preventing deliberate and intended actions such as malicious exploitation, theft or destruction of data or the compromise of networks, communications or other information technology resources. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology
Directorate’s (S&T) Insider Threat project is developing a research agenda to aggressively curtail elements of this problem. Increasingly, insider threat cases and high-profile data leaks illustrate the need for strong insider threat programs within organizations. The number of infamous and damaging attacks against the government illustrates that the threat posed by trusted insiders is significant. This threat will continue to grow as increased information-sharing
results in greater access to and distribution of sensitive information. To address the growing concern of insider threats, this project seeks more advanced R&D solutions to provide needed capabilities to address six areas. The beneficiaries of this research range from the national security bodies operating the most sensitive or classified systems to homeland security officials who need to share sensitive-but-unclassified/controlled unclassified information and to the healthcare, finance and many other sectors where sensitive and valuable information is managed. In many systems such as those operating critical infrastructures the
integrity, availability and total system survivability are of the highest priority and can be compromised by insiders. PerformerUniversity of Texas San Antonio: Lightweight Media Forensics for Insider Threat Detection ResourcesFor the latest information about S&T Cybersecurity, visit the S&T Cybersecurity News, Publications, Videos and Events pages. Insider Threat Fact Sheet Click the icons to navigate. Insider threats present a complex and dynamic risk affecting the public and private domains of all critical infrastructure sectors. This section provides an overview to help frame the discussion of insiders and the threats they pose; defining these threats is a critical step in understanding and establishing an insider threat mitigation program. I. What is an Insider?An insider is any person who has or had authorized access to or knowledge of an organization’s resources, including personnel, facilities, information, equipment, networks, and systems. Examples of an insider may include:
II. What Is Insider Threat?Insider threat is the potential for an insider to use their authorized access or understanding of an organization to harm that organization. This harm can include malicious, complacent, or unintentional acts that negatively affect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the organization, its data, personnel, or facilities. External stakeholders and customers of DHS may find this generic definition better suited and adaptable for their organization’s use. The Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines insider threat as the threat that an insider will use his or her authorized access, wittingly or unwittingly, to do harm to the Department’s mission, resources, personnel, facilities, information, equipment, networks, or systems. This threat can manifest as damage to the Department through the following insider behaviors:
III. What Are the Types of Insider Threats?The insider threat can be either unintentional or intentional.
IV. How Does an Insider Threat Occur?Insider threats manifest in various ways: violence, espionage, sabotage, theft, and cyber acts. Expressions of insider threat are defined in detail below. Expressions of Insider Threat
V. What Resources Are Available to Learn about Insider Threats?Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute’s the CERT Definition of 'Insider Threat' provides an updated definition of insider threat, including the potential for physical acts of harm. What threat do insiders with authorized access to information system pose?The threat that an insider will use their authorized access, wittingly or unwittingly, to do harm to the security of the United States. This threat can include damage to the United States through espionage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure, or through the loss or degradation of departmental resources or capabilities.
Which of the following would be considered insider threats?The characteristics of a malicious insider threat involves fraud, corporate sabotage or espionage, or abuse of data access to disclose trade secrets to a competitor.
What are some potential insider threat indicators cyber awareness challenge?Difficult life circumstances o Divorce or death of spouse o Alcohol or other substance misuse or dependence o Untreated mental health issues o Financial difficulties • Extreme, persistent interpersonal difficulties • Hostile or vindictive behavior • Criminal behavior • Unexplained or sudden affluence • Unreported ...
What are some potential insider threat indicators Cyber awareness 2021?What are some potential insider threat indicators? Difficult life circumstances such as substance abuse, divided loyalty or allegiance to the U.S., and extreme, persistent interpersonal difficulties.
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