To prevent insider data theft effectively, organisations must look beyond external cyber threats. While we have all seen headlines about cyber-attacks – where criminals know the value of your data and may hold businesses to ransom or sell it on the dark web – the risk from within your organisation can be equally devastating.
While the majority of employees are law abiding citizens who would never dream of taking data, it does happen. Perhaps an employee is leaving your organisation to join a competitor, or you have a disgruntled employee who wishes to cause embarrassment to the organisation. There are also individuals who want to increase their income, as this article from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) shows.
Mitigate Insider Threats
These essential measures will help prevent insider data theft and protect your organisation’s valuable information. Here are proven strategies to prevent insider data theft that any business can implement:
- Prevent data leakage through access management by ensuring employees only have access to the systems they need. If they are moving from one department to another, have their access rights been amended at the same time?
- Monitor system access for unusual activity – is the system being accessed at different times of the day and night?
- Monitor systems for files being sent outside the organisation, including what files are being sent and to whom.
- Educate your team. Ensure your team is aware they will be subject to disciplinary measures if information is accessed or taken without business need. Many employees are unaware that to do so is potentially a breach of the Computer Misuse Act (CMA), which carries a custodial sentence.
- Ensure you have robust HR contracts and information security policies in place to support your approach.
- Remove access to all systems for people who have left, or are leaving, the business
Suspicious Activity
If you suspect information is being taken within your business, contact your IT provider for help and investigation. Ensure system logs are saved. Depending on the outcome of your initial investigations it may be appropriate to involve your HR partner, insurer, a digital forensics expert and, potentially, the police for support and assistance.Taking these steps to prevent insider data theft is crucial for maintaining your business’s security and reputation.
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