Insider Threat
Insider threat happens when someone who already has access to a company’s systems, like an employee, subcontractor or business partner, uses that access in a way they shouldn’t. This could mean stealing data, damaging systems, sharing confidential info, or helping a competitor.
Our approach to Insider Threat testing
Our Insider Threat service is focused on analyzing what resources can be accessed by employees, suppliers, partners and how it can be abused. We start by understanding your organization: how it’s structured, which systems are key, and who has access to what. The next step is to analyze potential attack scenarios that could affect the organization. We look at how someone might abuse the privileges and what kind of damage it could cause.
During the Insider Threat simulation, our team takes on the role of a user with the privileges of a typical employee or supplier. The purpose of the exercise is to test the effectiveness of intruder detection methods in the internal network and verify the security procedures in place, including the speed and correctness of the response of the team responsible for protecting the organization.
Our testing methodology allows for efficient use of audit time and ensures that various Insider Threat scenarios are tested while maintaining consistency with the client’s goals and priorities.
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What does an Insider Threat test look like?
Performing Insider Threat security testing typically involves the following steps:
First, we review the organizational structure and the scope of authority of the various user groups (employees, suppliers or partners). On this basis, we define the roles that will play a key role during the simulation.
The next step is a security analysis aimed at determining the possible ways of abuse and the most significant consequences. We consider data theft, system sabotage or unintentional employee actions that might lead to data leakage. Based on this analysis, we prioritize tests.
At this stage, we refine the scope of testing, taking into account the systems, processes and departments that require special attention. If there are areas excluded due to confidentiality or other factors, we address this in the test plan.
We proceed with the actual tests, taking on the roles of different types of users. We verify that security procedures, monitoring systems (e.g. SIEM) and access policies effectively detect unusual activity. Here are some of the scenarios we run:
- Privilege escalation in Active Directory,
- Attempting to escalate privileges through common errors in content management systems (SQli, RCE, SSTI, XSS),
- Internal application pwnage,
- Internal procedures test (e.g. account recovery, gain access to internal systems),
- Privilege escalation on the local workstation,
- Attempting to extract data from an employee’s workstation.
After completing the tests, we gather all relevant information about the identified vulnerabilities. The report provides a detailed description of the vulnerabilities, potential impact on the organization and example attack paths.
We consult with the Client the recommended remediation actions, such as strengthening access controls, adjusting procedures or training to increase internal threat awareness among employees.
Once the recommendations have been implemented, retests can be conducted to ensure that all identified vulnerabilities have been successfully addressed – meaning they’ve either been fixed or appropriate mitigation measures have been put in place, and that no new risks have emerged.
It includes a summary for management, a detailed description of each vulnerability identified along with proposed corrective actions, and a list of recommendations to further improve internal security. If necessary, additional verifications can be performed for compliance with selected industry standards or regulations.
DORA compliance
Insider Threat testing can contribute to the compliance with DORA principles. It aligns with DORA’s broad view of security.
Quote for your project
Book a call or fill out our contact form to get a quote for an Insider Threat test. Every organization is different – if necessary, we’ll get in touch with you to determine the specifics of your needs and the broader context of security testing.
