With the ever-changing cybersecurity environment, businesses are more aware of external threats. But a much bigger threat is just over the horizon: insider threats. These threats are much less visible and can lead to devastating loss of a company’s brand, financial health and IP.
With more businesses becoming dependent on the cloud and digital solutions, it has become necessary to have a solid insider risk management plan in place. In this article we’re going to look at how you can construct and bolster that kind of framework and the part utilities, such as Mimecast, can play in reducing insider threats. With the proper approach, businesses can protect their investments and still be productive and safe.
Inside Insider Risk: A Growing Worry
An internal threat (to an organization) is any threat that comes from within the organization. Those threats can come from employees, contractors or even from other trust third-party vendors. Unlike outsiders such as cyber-criminals, insiders already have access to company networks, so detecting them is harder. Which means that they can easily get around protective measures like firewalls and intrusion detection.
The insider threat world is multifaceted. It might be a worker who intentionally leaks sensitive data, or an angry employee who sabotages critical systems. Most insiders don’t ever ‘intend’ to do anything bad; many don’t even realize the risks associated with careless handling of sensitive information or falling for a phishing bait.
A significant part of insider risk management is being aware that not every threat is malicious. In many cases, security incidents are actually caused by human error. This is where the need to establish a strong insider risk management program comes in.
The Role of Technology in Insider Risk Management
In today’s digital-first world, technology plays a pivotal role in securing sensitive data and minimizing risks. One of the most effective ways to address insider threats is through advanced security software solutions like Mimecast. Mimecast offers a suite of tools that provide email security, data leak prevention, and other advanced threat protection features—all of which are vital in managing insider risks.
With the proliferation of email as the primary communication channel in most organizations, it’s crucial to have an integrated email security system in place. Mimecast, for example, provides a multi-layered approach to email security, offering tools that detect both internal and external email threats. From preventing data leaks to blocking malware and phishing attempts, Mimecast helps mitigate many of the common vectors through which insiders may inadvertently or maliciously expose sensitive information.
By leveraging such platforms, businesses can significantly reduce the chances of insider risks, whether they are intentional or accidental.
Steps to Build an Effective Insider Risk Management Framework
1. Assessing the Current Risk Landscape
Before you can build a comprehensive insider risk management framework, you must first understand the specific risks your organization faces. Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment that identifies areas where insider threats are most likely to occur.
This process involves looking at how sensitive data is accessed, shared, and stored within your organization. Pay close attention to your company’s policies surrounding data access, file sharing, and communication. Are employees handling sensitive information correctly? Are they adhering to proper procedures?
An assessment can also help you identify potential “high-risk” employees, such as those with elevated access privileges or those who regularly work with confidential data. Tools like Mimecast can assist in identifying anomalies in email usage, such as unauthorized access to sensitive documents or unusual communication patterns, which could be indicative of a potential insider threat.
2. Defining Insider Risk Policies and Guidelines
Once you have a clear understanding of your risk landscape, the next step is to define clear policies and guidelines for managing insider risks. These should include protocols for detecting, reporting, and mitigating insider threats.
Policies should outline the acceptable use of company resources, including email, internal communication systems, and file-sharing platforms. They should also specify the penalties for violating security protocols, ranging from warnings to termination, depending on the severity of the breach.
Training employees on the importance of security policies is equally essential. Many insider risks occur because of simple human error. For example, an employee might send an email containing sensitive data to the wrong recipient, or unknowingly fall victim to a phishing attempt. Ensuring that employees are aware of potential threats and know how to respond is an essential component of any insider risk management framework.
3. Implementing Access Controls and Monitoring Systems

Limiting access to sensitive information is a key aspect of managing insider risks. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that employees only have access to the data they need to perform their jobs. This minimizes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data, reducing the chances of both malicious and accidental insider threats.
In addition to access controls, businesses must implement robust monitoring systems. Real-time monitoring can help detect unusual activity or access patterns. For instance, if an employee suddenly accesses large volumes of confidential data or downloads files outside their normal working hours, it could be a red flag for potential insider risk.
Security solutions like Mimecast can be instrumental in this aspect by continuously scanning emails for sensitive data and monitoring for signs of data leakage. These solutions can also flag unusual email behavior, such as sending large numbers of emails containing confidential information to external parties, which could indicate a potential insider threat.
4. Using Technology to Prevent and Detect Insider Threats
Technology is essential in preventing and detecting insider threats. A comprehensive approach should include both proactive prevention methods and reactive detection systems.
As mentioned earlier, Mimecast can help in proactively preventing insider risks by offering robust email security features. These include encryption, data loss prevention (DLP), and advanced threat protection capabilities. With these tools in place, businesses can block employees from inadvertently or maliciously sending sensitive data to unauthorized parties.
DLP solutions within Mimecast can also be used to monitor outgoing emails for any signs of data leakage, such as the sending of personal information or proprietary company data. If such information is detected, the system can block the email from being sent and alert security personnel for further investigation.
Additionally, Mimecast’s email security features can help detect phishing attacks and malware, which often serve as vectors for insider threats. By blocking these threats early, businesses can prevent insiders from falling victim to scams that could compromise sensitive data.
5. Establishing a Response Plan for Insider Incidents
Even with the best preventive measures in place, insider risks will still occasionally manifest. Therefore, it’s critical to establish a well-defined incident response plan. This plan should detail the steps to be taken if an insider threat is detected, including who to notify, how to contain the incident, and how to mitigate the damage.
A swift and organized response is key to minimizing the impact of insider risks. Your response plan should outline how to quickly isolate the compromised systems, prevent further data leakage, and begin an investigation into the cause of the breach.
It’s also important to establish clear communication channels during an insider threat incident. Having a designated security team, as well as a public relations team, can help manage internal and external communications, especially if the incident becomes public.
6. Continuous Review and Improvement of the Framework
Building an effective insider risk management framework is not a one-time task. It requires constant evaluation and refinement. As your business grows, so too will the complexity of the risks it faces. Regularly reviewing your risk management policies, tools, and response plans ensures that your organization remains prepared to handle evolving insider threats.
Security tools like Mimecast regularly update their systems to adapt to emerging threats, so staying up-to-date with the latest security features can help your organization remain protected. In addition, conduct periodic audits to ensure that your insider risk management policies are being followed and that employees are consistently adhering to security best practices.
Conclusion:
Insider threats are an unavoidable risk for any organization, but with the right measures in place, businesses can significantly reduce their likelihood and impact. By assessing your current risks, implementing robust policies, leveraging cutting-edge technology like Mimecast, and continuously reviewing your approach, you can build an effective insider risk management framework that safeguards your organization’s sensitive data and assets.
Remember, managing insider risks is not just about preventing malicious activities but also about fostering a culture of security awareness within your organization. By combining technology, policies, and ongoing employee education, you can create a security-conscious environment that minimizes insider threats and protects the future of your business.