What does an insider threat assessment involve?

An insider threat assessment primarily focuses on evaluating vulnerabilities within the organization. This process involves identifying potential risks posed by current or former employees, contractors, or business partners who have inside information concerning the organization's security practices, data, and computer systems.

The assessment examines various factors, including access controls, user behavior, and the internal environment that could enable harmful actions by individuals who have legitimate access to systems and data. By understanding these vulnerabilities, organizations can create strategies to mitigate risks, reinforce security policies, and enhance training to deter insider threats effectively.

In contrast, identifying external attackers, performing software updates, and conducting employee satisfaction surveys, while important aspects of overall security and organizational health, do not specifically address the complexities and unique challenges associated with insider threats.