Which category of insider threats are considered the most harmful due to their knowledge and access?

The most harmful category of insider threats is often recognized as professional insiders. These individuals possess a deep understanding of the organization's systems, networks, and data. Their insider knowledge enables them to exploit vulnerabilities more effectively than other categories of insiders. This group typically includes employees or contractors who have legitimate access to sensitive information and systems, which they can manipulate or misuse due to their elevated privileges.

Since professional insiders already have authorized access, identifying malicious intent can be significantly more challenging than with other types of insiders. Their technical skills and familiarity with the organization’s protocols allow them to operate undetected for longer periods, making the potential damage they could cause much more severe. This expert-level understanding of the organization’s architecture provides a substantial advantage when it comes to carrying out harmful activities, whether for personal gain, revenge, or espionage.

In contrast, other types of insiders, such as negligent insiders, typically do not intentionally harm the organization but may cause damage through carelessness or lack of awareness. Malicious insiders might act with harmful intent but often lack the specialized knowledge that professional insiders have. Disgruntled employees could pose a threat as well, yet their actions might not be as systematically damaging nor as well-executed as those of professional insiders, who can intricately compromise