Far too often, the crucial flaw that undermines a company’s “insider threat” programme isn’t a lack of technology; it’s insufficient vision. The people running the program convince themselves that the only potential miscreants they’re searching for are workers with some sort of financial motive: greedy or disgruntled workers who want to steal money, valuable company information, or property. Sure, those are legitimate threats … but greed isn’t the only motivator that compels an otherwise productive employee to commit harmful acts. There are many other character flaws just as corrupting as greed that we should be watching out for in a comprehensive insider threat programme.
Lust, for example. Consider the recent scandal that brought down New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo. This story has dominated front page news in the U.S. lately, competing with out-of-control COVID infections for our attention. Back on the 10th, New York Times reporters By Luis Ferré-Sadurní and J. David Goodman summarized the fall of the flamboyant politician:
“The resignation…
