Insider Threat Awareness

Government agencies face a dual threat to their security - that from outsiders trying to access data and systems, and from insiders - employees, contractors, or partners - who misuse, whether intentionally or not, their authorized access. Insiders represent a substantial threat because they have knowledge and access to systems, allowing them to bypass security measures through legitimate means. This makes them difficult to detect. To manage potential insider threats, government agencies and departments must establish a security framework that protects, detects, and responds to insider risks to systems, assets, and data. This course introduces essential concepts related to insider threats, focusing on employees' role in protecting their agency's sensitive data and systems. The course provides an overview of common characteristics and indicators associated with malicious insiders and effective ways to respond if you suspect someone inside your agency poses a threat. These course materials and content are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation or constitute a legal opinion with respect to compliance with any federal, state, or local laws. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. The information contained herein is provided only as general information that may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. This information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in your state.