Insider threats: The enemy you know

While you’re busy fortifying your digital walls against hackers, the real threat could already be inside the building. Insider threats are like that trusted friend who knows where you hide your spare key—except sometimes they’re not so trustworthy. 

Here’s the reality check: 55% of security incidents come from your own people. And before you start side-eyeing your coworkers, most aren’t plotting against you—they’re just making expensive mistakes. 

Follow the Money 

The numbers are staggering. Organizations are hemorrhaging an average of $17.4 million annually from insider incidents. That’s not a typo. And the biggest culprit? Larry from accounting, who clicked that suspicious email link, not some mastermind spy. 

Quick cost breakdown: 

• Negligent employees: $8.8M (ouch) 

• Malicious insiders: $3.7M (double ouch) 

• Employees who got outsmarted: $4.8M (triple ouch) 

It’s Not Just About Data Theft 

Think insider threats are just about stolen files? Think again. We’re talking about: 

• Workplace violence (yes, really) 

• Corporate espionage (like a bad spy movie) 

• Sabotage (revenge of the disgruntled employee) 

• Good old-fashioned theft (intellectual property is the new gold) 

Spot the Red Flags 

Your threat radar should ping when you notice: 

• The Perpetual Complainer: Always griping about work, management, or life in general 

• The Rule Bender: “Security policies are more like guidelines, right?” 

• The Data Hoarder: Downloading files like they’re preparing for the digital apocalypse 

• The Financial Stress Case: Money troubles or sudden mysterious wealth 

• The Walking HR Violation: Threats, intimidation, or just generally making people uncomfortable 

Time Is Money (Lots of Money) 

Here’s a sobering fact: Organizations that contain incidents quickly spend $10.6M versus $18.7M for the slow responders. Speed matters—a lot. 

The Silver Lining 

Finally, some good news! Organizations are getting smarter: 

• 81% now have insider threat programs (up from 77%) 

• Detection times are actually improving for the first time ever 

• Companies are doubling their security investments because math 

Your Action Plan 

See something weird? Say something. 

It’s that simple. Research shows 85% of potential threats leak their plans beforehand.  

Your coworkers aren’t mind readers, but they might be the early warning system that prevents the next headline-grabbing security disaster. 

Bottom line: Insider threats aren’t going away, but with the right awareness and quick action, you can turn your biggest vulnerability into your strongest defense. 

Remember: The best firewall is a workforce that that actually cares about security. 

Sources 

• JSL Insider Threat Awareness Training. (2025). 2025 Insider Threat Awareness Training.  

• Ponemon Institute & DTEX Systems. (2025). 2025 Cost of Insider Risks Global Report. 

• National Counterintelligence and Security Center, National Insider Threat Task Force. (2024). Insider Threat Guide: A Compendium of Best Practices to Accompany the National Insider Threat Minimum Standards. 

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. (2020). Insider Threat Mitigation Guide.