In the context of information security, what is a critical action for mitigating insider threats?

Restricting access to information based on a need-to-know basis is essential for mitigating insider threats because it minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. By ensuring that employees only have access to the information necessary for their job functions, organizations reduce the likelihood of individuals misusing information, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

This practice is grounded in the principle of least privilege, which is a fundamental concept in information security. It helps to limit the exposure of sensitive data and decreases the attack surface for potential insider threats. Employees are less likely to compromise data they do not have access to, and this control can act as a deterrent against malicious behavior. Additionally, it facilitates better monitoring and auditing of access, allowing organizations to identify unusual patterns that may indicate insider threats.

Other choices, while potentially having their own merits, do not specifically address the critical requirement for controlled access to information, which is the cornerstone of protecting against insider threats.