Insider threats are one of the most challenging security risks that organizations face today. These threats come from within the organization, and can be caused by employees, contractors, or third-party vendors. They can range from simple data breaches to complex attacks that can cause significant damage to the organization. As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), it is your responsibility to detect and prevent these threats, but it can be a difficult task.
One of the biggest challenges for a CISO in detecting insider threat is the sheer volume of alerts that are generated by detection systems. These systems are designed to detect unusual activity, but they often generate too many false positives, making it difficult to distinguish real threats from benign activity. This can lead to alert fatigue, where analysts become desensitized to the alerts and may miss a real threat.
Another challenge is managing limited internal teams of analysts. These teams are responsible for investigating alerts and determining whether they are a real threat. However, they often have limited resources and are stretched thin. This can lead to a backlog of alerts that are not investigated in a timely manner, which can leave the organization vulnerable to attack.
To overcome these challenges, a CISO must take a proactive approach to detecting insider threat. This includes implementing a robust incident response plan and regularly training employees on how to identify and report suspicious activity. Additionally, a CISO should work closely with the detection systems vendor to fine-tune the system to reduce the number of false positives and ensure that the system is configured to detect the most relevant threats.
Another important step is to ensure that the internal teams of analysts have the necessary resources and training to effectively investigate alerts. This includes providing them with the tools and technology they need to quickly and accurately investigate alerts. Additionally, a CISO should work with the organization's human resources department to develop policies and procedures for identifying and managing employees who may pose a risk. Detecting and managing insider threats is a challenging task for a CISO. However, by taking a proactive approach and working closely with internal teams and vendors, a CISO can effectively detect and prevent these threats and protect the organization from significant damage.
Strategic Advisor, ShadowSight
Who is Christopher McNaughton
Chris is a proficient problem solver with a strategic aptitude for anticipating and addressing potential business issues, particularly in areas such as Insider Threat, Data Governance, Digital Forensics, Workplace Investigations, and Cyber Security. He thrives on turning intricate challenges into opportunities for increased efficiency, offering pragmatic solutions derived from a practical and realistic approach.
Starting his career as a law enforcement Detective, Chris transitioned to multinational organisations where he specialised and excelled in Cyber Security, proving his authority in the field. Even under demanding circumstances, his commitment to delivering exceptional results remains unwavering, underpinned by his extraordinary ability to understand both cyber and business problems swiftly, along with a deep emphasis on active listening.
What is ShadowSight
ShadowSight is an innovative insider risk staff monitoring tool that proactively guards your business against internal threats and safeguards vital data from unauthorised access and malicious activities. We offer a seamless integration with your current systems, boosting regulatory compliance while providing unparalleled visibility into non-compliant activities to reinforce a secure digital environment. By prioritising actionable intelligence, ShadowSight not only mitigates insider threats but also fosters a culture of proactive risk management, significantly simplifying your compliance process without the overwhelming burden of false positives.
