The world continues to witness an unprecedented rise of cybersecurity threats. However, not all cybersecurity threats come from the outside. In a study conducted by Bitglass, 61 percent of businesses surveyed reported at least one insider-related cybersecurity incident in the last year. This could be anything from employees who lack cybersecurity training to rogue employees who facilitate a breach for personal gain. Before taking any preventative security measures, it is necessary to understand what the Dark Web is, who causes these risks, and how it can be a detriment to your business.
The Dark Web is characterized by their use of encryption software that makes their users and locations anonymous. That’s why illegal activity is so common on the Dark Web. Simply put, users can withhold their identity; the owners of illegal websites can hide their location; and data can be transferred anonymously. When it comes to data and security, it’s very possible your personal credentials are up for sale. So who are the actors behind this and how do we stop them?
- Negligent Insiders – This may include careless executives or employees with access to privileged information. These insiders don’t have any motivation – money or otherwise. They are simply careless in their actions or may have fallen victim to a scam.
- Malicious Insiders – These are insiders who intentionally abuse their credentials for personal gain. These actors have an advantage over external attackers since they have access to privileged information and are aware of the security loopholes. They may be motivated by monetary gain or may have a personal vendetta against the company.
- Contractors or Vendors – Sometimes, even third-party vendors and contractors who have temporary access to an organization’s IT network can cause a data breach. The motivation in this case could also be money or vengeance.
The good news is PCA has the ability to go into the Dark Web to help keep you out of it. Request a Free Dark Web Scan to see if your credentials are at risk. We’ll scan your business for you and provide you with everything you need to know.
Although the consequences of insider threats may be disastrous, you don’t have to face this problem alone. If you are wondering how you can mitigate these threats and prevent losses, we really do got you covered. Reach out to us today to understand the different ways by which you can build a resilient cybersecurity posture against insider threats.
