How is 'insider threat' defined in the context of IT security?

• A. External attacks by hackers targeting company databases
• B. Risks posed by insiders who misuse their access to sensitive information
• C. Malware attacks executed by employees
• D. Cascading failures from hardware malfunctions

Answer: (B)

The definition of 'insider threat' in the context of IT security focuses on the risks presented by individuals within an organization who have authorized access to sensitive information and systems. This can include employees, contractors, or business partners who might intentionally or unintentionally misuse their access, leading to potential data breaches, theft of intellectual property, or disruption of operations.

The emphasis on insiders recognizes that these individuals typically have legitimate access to information, making it challenging to detect malicious activities. Unlike external threats, which are often perpetrated by individuals lacking authorization, insider threats stem from trusted personnel leveraging their access for harmful purposes. This can include actions such as selling sensitive information, mishandling data, or even making inadvertent errors that compromise security.

In contrast, the other options focus on different types of security threats that do not match the insider threat definition. External attacks, malware executed by employees, and hardware failures capture various security challenges; however, they do not pertain to individuals who are already inside the organization and have legitimate access, which is central to understanding insider threats.