What is insider risk?
Insider risk is the risk that a person with legitimate access to an organization’s systems or data causes harm, whether by mistake, through negligence or on purpose. An insider threat is the specific case of someone who acts with intent.
How it works
Most insider incidents are not malicious: a misdirected email, sensitive files synced to a personal account, or credentials handed to a phisher. Intentional cases include data theft before a resignation and sabotage.
Insider risk programs watch for indicators such as unusual data movement, access outside a role, and changes in employment status, and they pair detection with HR, legal and privacy safeguards.
Why it matters
Insiders already have access, so perimeter controls do not stop them. Joiner, mover and leaver moments, and people with broad access, deserve the closest attention.
How Living Security helps
Living Security adds HR context, such as tenure, role and manager changes, to every identity, so joiner, mover and leaver risk is visible next to behavior and access in the Human Risk Index.
