Insider Attack
An insider attack is a security threat that originates from within the organization, often carried out by someone with legitimate access.
Profiles: 1. Malicious (Revenge/Profit). 2. Negligent (Accident/Ignoarance). 3. Compromised (Identity stolen). 4. Mules (Coerced).
graph LR
Center["Insider Attack"]:::main
Rel_cybersecurity["cybersecurity"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_cybersecurity "/terms/cybersecurity"
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🧒 Explain Like I'm 5
Imagine a castle with big walls and soldiers at the gate to keep enemies out. An insider attack is like one of the castle's own cooks poisoning the king's soup. The walls and guards didn't help because the cook was already allowed to be inside.
🤓 Expert Deep Dive
Technically, insider attacks are identified through 'Anomalous Behavior Patterns'. Since the attacker uses legitimate credentials, security teams must look for 'Lateral Movement' (trying to access folders they don't usually need) or 'Data Staging' (gathering lots of files in one place before sending them out). The 'Zero Trust' model is the primary defense, which operates on the assumption that even people inside the network should be continuously verified. Advanced defenses use UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics) to flag an employee who suddenly starts logging in at 3 AM or accessing HR records when they work in Engineering.