What characterizes a malicious insider threat?

A malicious insider threat is characterized by an individual exploiting their authorized access to an organization's systems or data for harmful purposes. This typically involves someone who has legitimate credentials and privileges, such as an employee or contractor, who then uses their position to engage in unauthorized actions that can lead to data breaches, fraud, or other security incidents.

In this context, the focus is on the intent and actions of the individual. For instance, they might steal sensitive information for personal gain, sabotage system operations, or facilitate cyberattacks from within the organization. This definition distinguishes the malicious insider threat from other roles that inherently promote security, such as educating colleagues or adhering to protocols, which are not characterized by malicious intent.

Thus, the correct identification of this threat underscores the importance of securing not only external access but also internal behaviors that can compromise organizational security.