Nearly One in Three Federal Agencies Lost Data to Insider Threats in the Last Year

Nearly One in Three Federal Agencies Lost Data to Insider Threats in the Last Year

Nearly One in Three Federal Agencies Lost Data to Insider Threats in the Last Year

According to a new study from MeriTalk, 45% of all federal agencies were targeted by insider threats, with 29% losing data to an insider incident over the past year. The report also found that although 76% of federal agencies are increasing attention on combating insider threats compared to a year ago, nearly half still suffered from an insider attack. The challenge comes because, as agencies are entrusted with storing and managing a range of sensitive information, the potential channels for data loss are becoming more complex. That makes breaches perpetrated by insiders — whether malicious or unintentional — very real and growing problem. Create a formal insider threat program, with annual in-person security training; real-time alerts for inappropriate access/sharing and data loss; agency-wide security technologies; and government-wide initiatives to support the effort.

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