Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which type of threat source does a disgruntled employee represent?

1. External threat

2. Internal threat

3. Natural threat

4. Unintentional threat

The correct answer is: Internal threat

A disgruntled employee represents an internal threat because they are already part of the organization and have access to its systems, data, and resources. This type of threat varies from external threats, which come from outside the organization and typically involve outsiders attempting to breach security from the outside. Internal threats, like those posed by disgruntled employees, can lead to intentional harm or sabotage, as these individuals may leverage their familiarity with the organization’s operations to exploit vulnerabilities. The context of an internal threat is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of managing employee behavior and morale, alongside implementing robust security measures. Organizations often face risks from insiders who feel undervalued, overlooked, or mistreated, leading to potential data breaches, theft of intellectual property, or other malicious activities that could harm the organization from within. This understanding further distinguishes internal threats from natural threats, like natural disasters, or unintentional threats, which are typically accidental incidents that occur without malicious intent. In the case of a disgruntled employee, the threat is deliberate, arising from emotional or psychological factors that influence their actions against the organization.