What are the best ways to detect insider threats?

1 Establish a baseline

The first step to detect insider threats is to establish a baseline of normal behavior and activity for your users, systems, and networks. A baseline helps you identify anomalies, deviations, or patterns that may indicate malicious or suspicious actions. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as log files, network traffic, user profiles, access rights, and audit trails. You should also define thresholds and alerts for different types of events, such as data transfers, login attempts, or system changes.

2 Monitor and audit

The second step to detect insider threats is to monitor and audit your users, systems, and networks regularly and continuously. Monitoring and auditing help you verify compliance, detect violations, and respond to incidents. You can use various tools and methods to track and record data, such as security information and event management (SIEM), user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA), data loss prevention (DLP), or endpoint detection and response (EDR). You should also review and update your policies, procedures, and controls for data security and access management.

3 Educate and communicate

The third step to detect insider threats is to educate and communicate with your employees, contractors, and partners about the risks, consequences, and responsibilities of insider threats. Education and communication help you raise awareness, foster a culture of security, and encourage reporting. You can use various tools and methods to deliver and reinforce training, such as online courses, webinars, newsletters, or posters. You should also provide clear and accessible channels for reporting, feedback, and support.

4 Investigate and respond

The fourth step to detect insider threats is to investigate and respond to any incidents or alerts that may indicate insider threats. Investigation and response help you contain, mitigate, and prevent damage, as well as gather evidence and learn from the experience. You can use various tools and methods to conduct and document investigations, such as forensics, interviews, or reports. You should also follow a predefined incident response plan that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and actions of your team.

5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step to detect insider threats is to evaluate and improve your performance and processes for detecting insider threats. Evaluation and improvement help you measure your effectiveness, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and implement corrective actions and best practices. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze feedback, such as surveys, metrics, or benchmarks. You should also review and update your goals, strategies, and plans for detecting insider threats.

6 Collaborate and share

The sixth step to detect insider threats is to collaborate and share your knowledge and experience with other organizations, experts, or authorities that deal with insider threats. Collaboration and sharing help you gain insights, learn from others, and contribute to the collective security and resilience of your industry or sector. You can use various tools and methods to communicate and exchange information, such as forums, conferences, or publications. You should also follow the relevant standards, guidelines, and regulations for insider threat detection.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?