An Insider Threat refers to which of the following?

An Insider Threat refers specifically to an individual or group that has authorized access to an organization's sensitive information or critical assets and poses a risk to the security and integrity of that organization. This risk can manifest through various actions, such as data breaches, sabotage, or even unintentional exposure of sensitive information.

The reasoning for this definition lies in the nature of insider threats. These individuals are typically familiar with the organization's inner workings, its security protocols, and the valuable assets that exist within its infrastructure. Unlike external threats, which are typically less familiar with the organization's environment, insiders utilize their authorized access to exploit vulnerabilities or to behave maliciously. This inherent knowledge makes them particularly dangerous as they often go undetected for longer periods compared to outside attackers.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the concept of an insider threat. A person with limited technical skills might lack the capability to effectively exploit systems or data. An external hacker operates from outside the organization and does not possess legitimate access rights, while a random civilian would also not have the necessary permissions or knowledge to pose a significant insider threat. Therefore, the correct identification of an insider threat focuses on those individuals within the organization who have both access and the potential to compromise its security.