The ‘Insider Threat’ and the ‘Insider Advocate’

Discussion of the insider threat gains more attention every day. Much of the debate concerns the dysfunctional actions and behaviours of the malicious insider, whose ability to cause harm commands headlines on a regular basis. Technological strides have been made to identify the behaviours that could locate the malicious insider threat and even predict the likelihood of such behaviours before they take place. This chapter addresses areas beyond those frequently explored when discussing the methods and means of discovering dysfunctional behaviour by examining the entire workforce and the factors affecting the entire workplace environment. Are there opportunities where leadership could better measure and shape the work environment, thereby creating a different work environment for employees? What happens when companies fail to utilize every metric available and every opportunity to shape the work environment? Are there opportunities not just to identify the malicious insider threat but to create measurable insider advocacy?