What is the definition of 'insider threat'?

The definition of 'insider threat' refers to acts of commission or omission that harm U.S. security using authorized access. This encompasses individuals who, due to their employment or insider access to an organization, exploit their privileges to inflict harm, intentionally or unintentionally, on the organization or its assets.

Insider threats can manifest in various ways, such as sharing sensitive information, sabotaging systems, or facilitating breaches, as the individual in question has legitimate access that allows them to bypass external safeguards. Recognizing and mitigating insider threats is crucial for maintaining organizational security and safeguarding critical data.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of what an insider threat entails. For instance, simply failing to comply with safety protocols does not specifically relate to the act of harming security using authorized access. Similarly, while a friendly employee providing information might seem like an insider threat, it does not inherently align with the broader definition of acts of commission or omission regarding U.S. security. Unauthorized equipment access by a visitor, while a security concern, involves individuals for whom access rights have not been granted, thus not fitting the definition of an insider who operates under authorized access.