Cyber security threats come in a variety of forms but many organisations are asking: “what is the biggest threat to cyber security?” For years, businesses have been focused on shielding their networks from external hackers. However, today evidence suggests that some of the most damaging breaches come from within an organisation. The debate over whether insider threats or external threats pose the greatest risk is vital for building robust cyber defences.
At FoxTech, we understand that effective security starts with a clear understanding of the larger threat landscape. In this article, we explore the nature of both insider and external risks, compare their impact, and provide practical steps organisations can take to mitigate threats from all directions.
The Role of External Threats
When most people think about cyber threats, they imagine anonymous hackers launching attacks from distant countries. And for good reason: external cybercriminals are responsible for a large share of today’s most publicised and damaging incidents.
These attackers often fall into three categories:
- Cybercriminal Organisations: Profit-driven cybercriminal groups are responsible for a wide range of attacks, from ransomware and phishing to credential stuffing and denial-of-service (DoS) campaigns. These groups often operate like businesses, with defined hierarchies, customer service desks for ransom negotiations, and even affiliate programmes. Their objective is financial gain and small businesses, large enterprises, and public sector institutions are all targets, especially if they lack robust defences.
- Nation-State Hackers: These highly skilled attackers are backed by governments and often target critical infrastructure, defence organisations, and key industries such as energy and healthcare. Their motives are typically political or strategic, focusing on espionage, disruption, or the theft of intellectual property.
- Hacktivists: Unlike financially motivated criminals or state-sponsored actors, hacktivists are driven by ideology. They use cyberattacks to promote political agendas, disrupt corporations, or expose perceived injustices. Common tactics include website defacements, DDoS attacks, and data leaks. While often less sophisticated than other threat actors, hacktivists can still cause significant reputational harm and operational disruption.
External threats are varied, organised, and increasingly sophisticated. However, they are not the only risk that organisations must consider.
The Role of Insider Threats
While external threats often grab headlines, insider threats usually go unnoticed until it’s too late. Insider threats originate from people within the organisation such as employees, contractors, or partners, all of whom have, or had, authorised access to systems and data.
These threats are especially difficult to detect because they often appear as normal user behaviour.
Insider threats fall into three key categories:
- Malicious Insiders: These are individuals who intentionally harm an organisation. Motivated by revenge, ideology, or personal gain, malicious insiders might steal intellectual property, leak sensitive information, or sabotage systems.
- Negligent Insiders: Most insider threats are not the result of malice but of carelessness or human error. Employees who reuse passwords, click on phishing links, or fail to follow basic security protocols can inadvertently open the door to attackers.
- Compromised Insiders: This is when an employee’s account is hijacked by an external attacker. Once inside the network, the attacker behaves like a legitimate user, often bypassing security controls and accessing sensitive data undetected. These attacks are difficult to identify without behavioural analytics and advanced monitoring tools.
Organisations that focus solely on external threats risk overlooking this critical vulnerability. Without proper controls and monitoring in place, insider threats can persist for weeks or months before being discovered.
Insider vs. External Threats – Which is More Dangerous?
So, what is the biggest threat to cyber security? The answer isn’t straightforward. Both insider and external threats carry risks, but their nature and impact differ in several important ways:
- Frequency of Attacks: External attacks are more frequent and widespread. Every organisation will, at some point, be targeted by malware, phishing, or ransomware campaigns. Insider threats are less common but can be far more damaging when they do occur.
- Financial and Reputational Damage: Insider breaches often result in higher financial losses per incident. Because insiders typically have access to critical systems and data, a single breach can have widespread consequences. It is also important to note that when the public learns that a breach came from within, trust in the organisation can erode quickly.
- Ease of Detection and Prevention: External attacks are usually easier to detect through perimeter defences, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Insider threats usually require more advanced tools that monitor user behaviour and detect anomalies. Prevention also involves managing access privileges, enforcing least-privilege principles, and fostering a security-conscious culture.
Both threats require equal attention. A strong cybersecurity strategy must account for the breadth and complexity of modern risks.
How to Protect Your Organisation from Cyber Threats
Mitigating the risk of cyber attacks requires a layered and strategic approach. Here are some strategies organisations can look into when it comes to addressing both external and insider threats:
- Employee Security Training: Educate employees at all levels about the tactics used by attackers and the importance of vigilance. Training should cover phishing, password hygiene, data handling, and reporting suspicious activity.
- Access Controls: Implement role-based access controls to limit who can see or edit sensitive information. Remove access promptly when employees change roles or leave the organisation.
- Threat Detection and Behaviour Monitoring: Use tools that monitor user behaviour and detect anomalies, such as impossible travel, excessive file downloads, or login attempts from unknown devices. Advanced threat detection solutions can spot suspicious activity in real time and trigger alerts for investigation.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct periodic reviews of your security policies, infrastructure, and practices. Identify gaps in protection, assess the effectiveness of your controls, and make improvements based on emerging threats. Internal audits, combined with third-party penetration testing, provide a comprehensive view of your security posture.
- Incident Response Planning: Have a well-defined incident response plan in place. When a breach occurs, a swift, coordinated response can limit damage and reduce downtime. Ensure all employees understand their role in the event of an incident and practice response drills regularly.
A Balanced Approach to Cybersecurity
What is the biggest threat to cyber security? The reality is that there is no single answer. External attackers remain persistent, aggressive, and well-funded. At the same time, insider threats pose a serious and often underestimated risk.
Rather than focusing on one over the other, organisations should invest in a comprehensive and layered defence strategy.
At FoxTech, we work with businesses to identify vulnerabilities, implement intelligent security solutions, and build resilience against both insider and external threats. Our services are designed to evolve with your organisation, providing protection that grows with you.
