Insider threats are one of the biggest risks to businesses today. While companies invest in security tools to stop outside hackers, many forget that threats can come from within. Employees, contractors, or business partners can misuse their access, whether by accident or on purpose.
This is why businesses need an Insider Threat Program. But what is the goal of an insider threat program? Simply put, it is to prevent, detect, and respond to threats from inside the organization. This guide will explain why insider threats happen, how businesses can build a strong insider threat program, and the steps needed to protect sensitive information.
What is an Insider Threat?
Before we talk about what is the goal of an insider threat program, let’s define the problem. Which best describes an insider threat? An insider threat happens when someone with access to a company’s systems, data, or facilities misuses that access. This could be an employee, a contractor, or even a former worker.
Insider threats are not always intentional. Some people leak information by mistake due to poor security habits. Others do it on purpose, seeking revenge or financial gain. No matter the reason, these threats can cause major damage to a business.
A 2025 report by Verizon revealed that 76% of organizations have detected increased insider threat activity over the past five years, but less than 30% believe they’re equipped with the right tools to handle it. This means that one in three security incidents comes from people inside the organization. This is why businesses must take insider threats seriously.
What is the Goal of an Insider Threat Program in Cyber Security?
So what is the goal of an insider threat program exactly? The main goal of an insider threat program is to stop security risks from within the organization. Here’s how businesses achieve that:
- Prevent insider threats before they happen.
- Detect unusual or suspicious behavior.
- Respond quickly to minimize damage.
- Improve security policies over time.
A strong insider threat program protects customer data, financial records, trade secrets, and company reputation. Without it, businesses risk financial losses, legal penalties, and damaged trust.
Why Do Insider Threats Happen?
Businesses must understand why insider threats occur before they can stop them. Here are some common reasons:
- Revenge – A former employee is angry about being fired and steals data.
- Greed – A worker sells company secrets to competitors.
- Negligence – Someone clicks on a phishing email and exposes sensitive files.
- Carelessness – An employee shares passwords or leaves their laptop unlocked.
- External Influence – A worker is tricked or pressured into stealing information.
A study by IBM Security found that insider threats cost businesses an average of $15.4 million per year. These threats take longer to detect and are harder to stop than external cyberattacks.
Which of the Following is Likely to be an Indicator of Insider Threat Program?
To spot an insider threat early, companies should look for warning signs. Some common indicators include:
- Unusual Access Requests – Someone asks for files they normally don’t use.
- Frequent Data Transfers – A worker copies large amounts of data to a personal device.
- Bypassing Security Controls – An employee tries to disable security settings.
- Negative Attitude – Someone openly criticizes the company and its policies.
- Multiple Login Failures – A person keeps entering the wrong password, trying to access restricted areas.
A report by Cybersecurity Insiders states that 70% of organizations struggle to detect insider threats due to lack of monitoring. Businesses need proper tools and training to catch these threats early.
How to Build an Insider Threat Program?
Creating an insider threat program requires a mix of technology, training, and policies. Businesses should follow these steps:
1. Set Clear Policies
A company must have rules for handling sensitive data. Employees need to know what is allowed and what is not. This includes:
- Who can access certain files
- How to report suspicious behavior
- What happens if someone misuses company data
2. Monitor Employee Activity
Tracking data movement, login attempts, and software use can help detect threats early. Businesses should use:
- User Behavior Analytics (UBA) tools
- Access logs to track suspicious activities
- Alerts for unusual behavior
3. Train Employees on Security Awareness
Many insider threats happen because of human error. Companies should train employees to:
- Recognize phishing emails
- Avoid sharing passwords
- Report security concerns
4. Limit Access to Sensitive Data
Not everyone in a company needs full access to all data. Businesses should:
- Use role-based access control (RBAC)
- Review employee permissions regularly
- Restrict access to critical files
5. Respond Quickly to Threats
If an insider threat is detected, the company must act fast. If you identify an insider threat, you should report it immediately. Businesses should:
- Investigate the incident
- Lock down affected accounts
- Take legal action if needed
How PureWL Can Help Businesses Prevent Insider Threats?
A strong cybersecurity plan is essential for stopping insider threats. Businesses need a secure way to protect their data, especially when employees work remotely. This is where PureWL comes in.
PureWL offers white-label VPN solutions that help businesses secure their networks. Here’s how it helps prevent insider threats:
- Encrypts sensitive data – Keeps company files safe from unauthorized access.
- Protects remote workers – Ensures that employees connect securely from anywhere.
- Restricts unauthorized access – Businesses can limit who can and cannot see certain data.
- Helps detect unusual activity – Tracks network traffic for suspicious behavior.
By integrating PureWL’s white label VPN services, businesses can protect their employees, prevent data breaches, and stop insider threats before they happen.
Final Thoughts
Insider threats are a serious risk for businesses. A single mistake or malicious act can lead to data loss, financial damage, and reputational harm. That’s why companies need a strong insider threat program.
The goal of an insider threat program is simple: prevent, detect, and respond to threats from within the organization. Businesses must create clear security policies, monitor employee activity, and train their workforce to minimize risks.
For companies looking to strengthen their security, PureWL’s white-label VPN solutions provide an extra layer of protection. Whether you run a small business or an enterprise, securing your data is key to preventing insider attacks.
Take control of your security today. Learn more about PureWL and start protecting your business from insider threats.