Which method is effective for early recognition of insider threats?

Behavioral monitoring and analytics stand out as an effective method for the early recognition of insider threats due to its proactive approach in identifying unusual patterns of behavior among employees. This method utilizes advanced technology and algorithms to analyze user activities, flagging any discrepancies from normal behavior that could indicate potential malicious intent or inadvertent insider threats. For instance, if an employee who typically accesses certain files suddenly begins to access sensitive information not related to their job function, this could trigger an alert for further investigation.

In contrast, user access reviews provide an important security measure by ensuring that individuals have appropriate access levels, but they are often reactive and can only help in identifying issues retrospectively rather than predicting or preventing insider threats before they materialize. Physical surveillance may have its place in certain security contexts but is less effective in a digital environment where insider threats might manifest through data misuse or cyber activities. Periodic security training is essential for raising awareness about security risks and best practices, but it may not directly lead to the early detection of suspicious activities. Overall, behavioral monitoring and analytics are pivotal for establishing a continuous overview of user activities, making it a key tool in spotting insider threats early on.