What Is an Insider Threat?
An insider threat is a security risk that originates from within your organization. This can be:
- A current or former employee
- A contractor or vendor
- Anyone with inside access to your systems or data
These threats can be accidental (like someone clicking on a phishing email) or intentional (like a disgruntled employee stealing client data).
Why Atlanta SMBs Can’t Ignore Insider Risks
Small businesses in Atlanta—from law firms and real estate agencies to veterinary clinics and construction companies—are prime targets for cybercriminals. But threats don’t always come from the outside.
Internal risks are often overlooked because:
- The person is trusted
- There’s no formal security policy
- Monitoring is weak or nonexistent
Fact: Insider threats cause over 34% of all data breaches, according to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report.
Common Types of Insider Threats
1. Negligent Insiders
- Accidentally share sensitive information
- Use weak passwords or share them
- Fall for phishing scams
2. Malicious Insiders
- Intentionally leak, sell, or destroy company data
- May act out of revenge, ideology, or financial gain
3. Compromised Insiders
- Have had their credentials stolen
- Are unknowingly being used by an external attacker
Real Risks for Atlanta-Based SMBs
If you’re a financial advisor, insurance broker, or real estate manager, your business handles sensitive data like:
- Client financial records
- Social security numbers
- Legal contracts
A single insider incident could cost you:
- Thousands in fines
- Loss of client trust
- Permanent brand damage
How to Minimize Insider Threats
1. Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Limit access to only what an employee needs to do their job.
2. Educate Employees
Train staff on security basics like:
- Recognizing phishing
- Password best practices
- Reporting suspicious behavior
3. Implement Monitoring Tools
Use 24/7 monitoring to detect unusual activity like:
- Large file downloads
- Off-hours access
- Use of unauthorized devices
4. Revoke Access Immediately
When someone leaves the company or changes roles, cut access fast. Don’t delay.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Make it harder for attackers to use stolen credentials.
6. Establish Clear Security Policies
Create written rules about:
- Device use
- Cloud storage
- Personal email access
What is an insider threat?
An insider threat is a cybersecurity risk that comes from within your organization, such as an employee, contractor, or vendor who has access to your systems and may accidentally or intentionally cause harm.
Signs You Might Have an Insider Threat
- Data leaks with no sign of outside hacking
- Employees accessing systems they shouldn’t
- Sudden changes in employee behavior
- Unexplained network slowdowns or file transfers
How Managed IT Services Help Prevent Insider Threats
Partnering with an Atlanta-based Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) gives you:
- 24/7 system monitoring
- User access control management
- Employee cybersecurity training
- Fast incident response
TrueITpros specializes in helping Atlanta SMBs build stronger, smarter, and more secure systems—without the cost of hiring a full-time IT team.
Don’t wait for an insider threat to expose your data. Take steps now to protect your business, your clients, and your reputation.
To learn more about how trueITpros can help your company with Managed IT Services in Atlanta, contact us at www.trueitpros.com/contact
