Insider risk is a critical yet sometimes misunderstood or overlooked aspect of business risk. Many organizations lack robust Insider Risk Management (IRM) programs, relying on point products like Data Loss Prevention (DLP), User Activity Monitoring (UAM), and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA). While these tools offer some protection, in isolation, they lack the behavioral context that’s required to address the core issue: the human element. Additionally, many companies can’t quantify insider risk, or the impact of an insider incident that results in loss of IP, making it difficult to prove return on investment (ROI) for their IRM program. This in turn makes it more difficult to secure adequate budget and buy-in.
The truth is insider risk is often the missing piece of a well-oiled cybersecurity program. This is especially true at companies without large security budgets or regulation driving necessary programs. With so much focus on external threats, it’s not uncommon for companies to underestimate the risks from the people with authorized access. Regardless of the insider’s intention, the monetary damage can be quite high; the average cost of an insider…