A potential insider threat indicator includes behaviors or activities such as unusual data movement, use of unsanctioned software or hardware, increased requests for escalated privileges, access to information not core to the job function, renamed files where file extensions don’t match the content, and activity from departing employees. Other signs include unusual access or data activity (e.g., accessing sensitive files unrelated to one’s role), behavioral red flags (e.g., dissatisfaction with company, financial stress), policy and security violations (e.g., ignoring security policies, unauthorized device use), abnormal user behavior, frequent unauthorized system access attempts, and suspicious network traffic patterns.
In summary, indicators can be grouped as:
- Unusual or excessive data access and transfers
- Unauthorized or unsanctioned software or hardware usage
- Attempts to escalate privileges or access outside normal job scope
- Behavioral changes like dissatisfaction or financial stress
- Departing employee activity, especially involving data movement
- Suspicious network activities and system access patterns
Any of these signs can be potential indicators of insider threats.
