Cybersecurity has a way of surprising us with the unexpected so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a completely new kind of security threat emerge in 2023. But as the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between attackers and defenders unfolds, certain scenarios are already coming into view.
Why Threat Actors Will Love Pink Slips
Amid growing economic uncertainty, many companies around the globe are tightening their belts and reducing headcount in advance of a possible economic recession. But as organizations brace for the worst, three related security risks now loom:
1. External attackers aren’t the only threats companies face. Insider threat incidents are up 44% in the past two years, as costs per incident have climbed more than a third to $15.38 million. But there’s new reason for concern since layoffs create insider threat risks – either in the form of disgruntled employees or among existing employees angry about corporate’s decision to let go of colleagues. That means more potential for theft or sabotage from within.
2. Staff reductions have unintended consequences on an organization’s security posture. When gaps in network defenses suddenly appear, the company now has fewer technical experts watching the situation. At the same time, the organization now has less visibility into the security status of its various products and systems. This presents a golden opportunity for professional threat actors searching out the path of least resistance. When they hear about layoff announcements at a particular firm, it doesn’t take very long before attackers start probing for security vulnerabilities.
3. Companies regularly get into trouble by failing to set up well-controlled and thorough off-boarding personnel procedures – particularly when it comes to senior or privileged users. Proper processes with verification of completion on user accounts, data, assets, etc. is critical. Also, don’t ignor ..
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