Cyberattacks: Not Just an External Threat, Cyberthreats Can Come from Within Too

In today’s highly digitized world, the conversation around cybersecurity often centers on protecting systems from external cyberattacks. However, focusing solely on outside threats ignores a critical component of cybersecurity: insider threats. In fact, cyberthreats can come from within an organization, and these internal risks can sometimes be even more dangerous than external hackers. This blog will delve into how cyberattacks are not only an external threat but also a significant internal concern for organizations of all sizes.

1. Understanding Cyberattacks: External vs. Internal Threats

Cyberattacks typically refer to malicious actions aimed at disrupting, stealing, or damaging data from an organization. While external attacks come from outside forces, such as hackers or cybercriminals, internal cyberthreats originate from within the organization. Both external and internal cyberattacks pose significant risks, but internal threats are particularly insidious as they often involve trusted insiders.

2. Common Types of External Cyberattacks

External cyberattacks are usually carried out by hackers, cybercriminals, or state-sponsored groups looking to exploit vulnerabilities in a system. These threats are widely known, but internal cyberthreats are just as critical. Here are a few common external cyberattacks:

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are one of the most common forms of external threats. However, it’s important to remember that internal cyberthreats can also emerge when employees unknowingly fall victim to phishing.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

DDoS attacks overwhelm a server with traffic, causing disruptions. While an external attack, DDoS attacks can succeed with assistance from internal users who may compromise access points.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a major external threat that can paralyze a business. It’s also important to note that some internal cyberthreats arise when employees accidentally enable ransomware by clicking on malicious links.

3. Internal Cyberthreats: What You Need to Know

Unlike external attacks, internal cyberthreats originate from within the organization. These can come from employees, contractors, or anyone with system access. Internal threats are typically divided into two categories:

Malicious Insiders

Malicious insiders intentionally cause harm by leaking sensitive information or collaborating with external attackers. These types of internal cyberthreats can be catastrophic because the insider knows how the systems work.

Unintentional Insider Threats

Even if an insider does not have malicious intent, mistakes or negligence can result in severe data breaches. Internal cyberthreats from unintentional insiders happen when employees inadvertently expose systems to vulnerabilities, such as weak password practices.