Insiders have an advantage over outsiders with malicious intentions. Possessing the knowledge of a company’s physical and technical security policies and procedures allows insiders to bypass safeguards that are implemented to defend against external threats.
Insider advantage – Vodafone Telecommunications, 2013
In September of 2013, the German telecommunication company Vodafone fell victim to an insider breach perpetrated by a contract worker. The contractor was able to successfully breach a database containing 2 million customer names, addresses, gender, birthdates and banking account numbers.
Vodafone responded to the incident by changing the passwords and certificates of all administrators and wiping the affected server. It also informed its customers to be on the lookout for phishing scams that could occur as a result of the breach.
Expert insight: Identifying potential insider threats can be difficult, especially in a corporate setting. Employers should strive to become acquainted with their employees so they can detect behavioral indications that an individual is up to no good. Organizations should also apply physical and technical security measures in order to increase the levels of protection against malicious insiders. Contact us to learn more about these solutions and other safeguards to ensure the fortification of your enterprise.
