The term "insider threat" primarily refers to individuals who:

The term "insider threat" specifically refers to individuals who have authorized access to confidential information or secure environments and choose to misuse that access, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This can include stealing data, leaking sensitive information, committing fraud, or engaging in sabotage. The key aspect of this definition is that these individuals are not outsiders; rather, they are part of the organization and have legitimate access rights, which makes their actions particularly dangerous because they are familiar with the systems and protocols.

The nature of an insider threat can be complex, involving various motivations such as personal grievances, financial gain, or ideological beliefs. Organizations must implement robust security measures, including monitoring and training, to mitigate the risk posed by insiders. Awareness of this term is critical for anti-terrorism and security personnel, as preventing insider threats is an ongoing challenge in maintaining security integrity.