(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of an Insider Threat?

1. They are usually external attackers

2. They typically have privileged access

3. They can never be detected

4. They work independently of organization policies

The correct answer is: They typically have privileged access

A key characteristic of an Insider Threat is that they typically have privileged access. This means that insiders, such as employees or contractors, often possess legitimate credentials that allow them to access sensitive systems and data within the organization. Because they are part of the organization, they have knowledge of the security protocols and can bypass certain protections that would typically thwart external attackers. This privileged access makes insider threats particularly dangerous since the malicious activities or data breaches can go unnoticed for an extended period. Insiders are more likely to know how to operate within the system without raising alarms, leveraging their knowledge to exploit vulnerabilities. The other options highlight misunderstandings about insider threats. For instance, while some discern insider threats as external attackers who infiltrate a network, this description does not apply, as insider threats are characterized by their internal affiliation with the organization. Similarly, while some insider threats might be difficult to detect, they can often be uncovered through proper monitoring and logging practices. Finally, while insiders may operate outside of established protocols, they typically have a deeper understanding of those policies, potentially allowing them to manipulate or circumvent them rather than working entirely independent of them.