Insider threat prevention methods in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

Insider threats are security risks that come from individuals with legitimate access to an organisation’s systems and data. These threats can be intentional, driven by personal gain or the desire to cause harm, in contrast they can also be unintentional, resulting from mistakes or manipulation by others. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while often no so lucrative targets are particularly vulnerable due to limited budgets, small teams, and less formal security processes. This thesis examines the most effective methods for insider threat prevention. Through a review of existing research, practical and affordable measures were identified. Key strategies include applying strict role-based access controls (RBAC), providing targeted and realistic security training, simplifying processes with automation, using external cybersecurity expertise, and aligning practices with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The findings show that a balanced approach combining organisational measures with simple technical safeguards can significantly reduce insider threats risks while remaining manageable for SMEs.