Insider threat - What is it and could your SME be at risk?
Quick summary
Most small businesses worry about cyber attacks coming from the outside—hackers, phishing scams, and ransomware . But insider threats can be just as damaging. And they’re far more common than you might think.
From accidental data leaks to unhappy ex-employees, we’ll explore what insider risks look like, reveal the warning signs, and show you how to prevent them.
What is an insider risk?
An insider threat is a cybersecurity risk that’s inside your business—current or former employees, contractors, or partners who have (or had) legitimate access to your systems, data, or office.
And not every threat is malicious. It also covers accidental actions, like clicking a phishing link or sharing sensitive data without the proper protection.
In cybersecurity, insider risks are often overlooked, but 35% of all data breaches come from inside.
Types of insider threats
There are a number of insider threat examples to look out for, including:
Malicious insiders: Someone who deliberately steals data, leaks sensitive information, or sabotages systems. Their motivations vary, but the damage can be huge.
Accidental insiders: Well-meaning staff who make mistakes like emailing sensitive customer data to the wrong person.
Negligent insiders: Those who take shortcuts or ignore policies, like using weak passwords, leaving devices unlocked, or sharing logins insecurely.
Departing employees: People leaving the company who still have access to data or systems. Without the right offboarding process, this can lead to serious data breaches.
What are the red flags of insider threat?
There are often warning signs in two areas: the way people behave and unusual demands on the system.
Indicators of insider threats can include behaviour such as:
Sudden changes in attitude or performance.
Regularly breaking policies or finding ways around them.
Logging in at odd times from unexpected places, using unusual devices, or taking photos of documents or screens.
There are also security indicators:
Requesting higher access without a clear reason.
Unusual data transfers or large downloads.
Trying to disable or avoid security controls.
On their own, any one of these things might be nothing, but if you notice a pattern of suspicious activity, you need to look into it as soon as possible. The earlier you notice something’s off, the easier it’ll be to combat the threat.
How to detect and prevent insider threats
You don’t need a big budget or an intricate security operation to help decrease the risk of insider threats. A few good habits go a long way.
Keep an eye on logins and activity
Most cloud platforms let you monitor access and set alerts for unusual behaviour. If someone’s suddenly accessing thousands of files or logging in at 3am, you’ll want to know.
Tighten up access controls
Keep permissions based on job roles, and regularly review them, especially when someone changes teams or leaves.
Train your team
Awareness is everything. Teach your people what an insider threat is, how it happens, and what to watch out for.
Plan for employee exits
Make offboarding part of your cyber hygiene. Remove access, collect devices, and remind people of their responsibilities before they go.
Create a safe reporting culture
Encourage your team to speak up if they spot something odd, without fear of blame or reprisals. Early reporting can stop a small issue turning into a breach.
Reduce your risk of insider threat
Insider threats are easy to overlook, but for small businesses, they’re one of the most common and costly types of cyber risk. And they’re not always deliberate. Most are caused by mistakes, shortcuts, or weak processes.
By tightening access, training your people, and staying alert to warning signs, you can build a stronger, smarter defence from the inside out.
You can also dive into our guides on antivirus and malware protection, and what a cyber attack actually is.
Want more help with insider threats or like to learn more about cybersecurity across the board? Our V-Hub Digital Advisers are here to help.
