Home Blog Managed Service Providers (MSPs) Help Mitigate Insider Threats

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) Help Mitigate Insider Threats

January 21, 2020 blog

Most data security measures focus on keeping intruders from infiltrating company devices, but insider threats are also increasingly dangerous. Sony found that out the hard way in 2014. The physical doors at Sony were supposedly left open, allowing a group of hackers to wreak total havoc. The intruders freely accessed company computers and other equipment. They stole and leaked confidential, sensitive information, released films, and more. Recovery of damages caused by the insider threat cost Sony $15 million.

“Insider Threats” Defined

An insider threat occurs when someone uses authorized access to misuse an organization’s critical data. Examples of individuals who can become insider threats are current employees, terminated employees, contractors, partners, and third-party vendors. According to more than 54 percent of executives in Fortune 1000 companies surveyed, they believe that discovering and preventing insider attacks is difficult. The executives are correct.

How Can Managed Services Providers (MSPs) Help?

Only large companies can usually afford the great expense of on-site IT security that provides the latest protections against cyberattacks plus constantly monitors activities for the purpose of detecting insider attacks. The beauty of bringing a managed service provider (MSP) onboard to handle data and network security is that even small companies can usually afford their essential services.

A complete solution for insider threats involves continuous monitoring to identify abnormal behavior, immediately investigating suspicious user activity, reducing risk with real-time user blocking, making user data anonymous, plus other measures. These capabilities go beyond the scope of what typical IT departments for small and medium-sized businesses can achieve.

MSPs often have a diverse staff that includes security specialists, and their services provide continuous monitoring to identify and mitigate possible insider threats.

Contact Aperio IT to develop a cybersecurity plan and protect your business from both external and internal threats.