When we talk about cybercrime, we immediately think of cybercriminal gangs that infiltrate systems from the outside. Given that we have completely redefined the meaning of "hacker" today, equally dangerous threats come from within organizations: these are the so-called "insiders" or disloyal employees.

Recent studies and several news cases from Italy highlight that the black market for willing to pay exorbitant fees to obtain sensitive data from companies and institutions directly from the inside is becoming increasingly prevalent. In fact, insiders already possess the necessary permissions, allowing them to easily access confidential information, thereby reducing the need for complex external hacking attacks.

One of the most sensational cases in Italy is the discovery of a network of espionage involving various individuals and institutions, which leaked approximately one million files, implicating named suspects, and even including public officials and institutional databases. In a recent separate case, Carmelo Miano gained access to the inboxes of magistrates, including Nicola Gratteri, by possessing their credentials. Although the term "hacker" is more accurate in this instance, the phenomenon of insider threats is also significant in this news report. In fact, both incidents reveal how vulnerable today's internal security systems are when credentials are misused or sold.

Who are disloyal employees? Disloyal employees are individuals who, for personal, economic, or ideological reasons, exploit their position within an organization to obtain and disclose confidential or sensitive information. This phenomenon is known as an insider threat and is considered one of the most difficult threats to manage. Disloyal employees may sell data to competitors or cybercriminals, exposing the company to significant legal and reputational risks. Therefore, companies must implement strategies to identify and manage these risks. Common practices include monitoring activities, deploying tools to detect abnormal credential usage, and enhancing employees' awareness of data protection and business ethics. Additionally, it is important to remember that employees are valuable resources, and if granted administrative access to critical systems, they should not be provided by third-party companies or contractors but should be part of the organization's internal staff.

How to Limit Insider Threats Insider threats are one of the most insidious challenges in information security, as they involve employees or collaborators who, due to misunderstandings, retaliation, or negligence, may jeopardize the security of company data. However, organizations operating in Europe also face challenges related to compliance with data protection regulations, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation ().

The limitations of European Community monitoring are strictly regulated in Europe. Several fundamental principles have been established:

1. Transparency Principle: Organizations must inform employees about monitoring practices and justify the necessity of such measures. This means that employees need to be aware of what data is collected and how it is used.
2. Purpose Limitation: Data collected for monitoring must be used exclusively for specific, lawful, and clearly defined purposes. The data must not be used for any purposes other than those stated.
3. Proportionality and Necessity: Any monitoring measures must be proportionate to the objectives to be achieved. This means that monitoring must be reasonable and must not excessively infringe on employee privacy.
4. Data Minimization: Organizations must collect only the necessary data for monitoring and avoid collecting superfluous information.
5. Rights of Data Subjects: Employees have specific rights regarding their personal data, including the rights to access, correct, and delete. Organizations must ensure that these rights are respected.

Systems and practices to limit insider threats, despite legal restrictions, organizations can implement various strategies to limit insider threats while ensuring compliance with European regulations.

1. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Implementing solutions to monitor and control access to sensitive data. These systems can prevent unauthorized transmission of critical information, providing an additional layer of security.
2. Activity Monitoring: Utilize logging and monitoring systems to record user activities. The configuration of these tools must respect employee privacy and must be clearly communicated to users.
3. User Behavior Analysis (): Implement analytical tools to analyze user behavior and identify abnormal activities. These tools can help detect suspicious behavior and prevent harm.
4. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Implement a role-based access system to ensure that employees can only access the information necessary for their job. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
5. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Integrate multi-factor authentication to add an additional layer of security for accessing critical systems. Requiring users to provide two or more forms of authentication significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if credentials are compromised. This measure not only protects sensitive data but also fosters a culture of security within the organization.
6. Training and Awareness: Provide regular training programs to educate employees about the risks associated with insider threats and best security practices. Employee awareness can reduce the risk of unintentional actions that may compromise security.
7. Implement Data Security Policies: Establish clear policies on data management and protection to ensure employees understand their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance.
8. Incident Response Program: Develop an incident response plan that includes protocols for addressing potential internal threats. The plan should include procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing incidents.
9. Security Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular security audits to ensure that policies and practices are effective and compliant with regulations.

In regulatory environments such as Europe, limiting insider threats requires a balanced approach that considers both security needs and employee rights. By implementing appropriate measures and informed monitoring practices, organizations can protect their sensitive information without compromising employee privacy and rights. The key is to adopt a proactive, comprehensive data security approach that aligns with current regulations and fosters a culture of security within the organization.