Most organizations know the dangers of a potential insider threat, where the risks range from financial losses to severe reputational damage. But often, these threats don't come from malicious insiders or bad actors; they stem from well-meaning employees making accidental yet costly mistakes. Human error plays a large role in insider threats, and even some of the world’s largest companies can fall prey to it.
Throughout this article, we cover five recent instances where human error played a direct role in causing a security incident. For each, we’ll explore what went wrong, the repercussions of the event, and the lessons you can implement to avoid making the same mistake.
Understanding Human Errors and Insider Threats
Insider threats that occur due to human error can happen from a variety of mistakes, from simple oversights to more serious negligent behaviors. These errors might include actions such as sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient, accidentally deleting important data, or ignoring security protocols.
Despite often being unintentional, these mistakes can have severe consequences, including data breaches and system compromises. It's important to recognize that human error is an inherent part of the workplace, even among well-meaning and diligent employees. The challenge lies in mitigating these risks through comprehensive security measures and regular training.
Types of Human Errors Leading to Insider Threats
While incidents are unique, they often stem from preventable mistakes that can be grouped into several categories. Some of the common types of errors that can occur are:
Phishing Attacks: Employees may fall victim to phishing scams, inadvertently disclosing credentials and allowing unauthorized access to systems. These attacks often exploit a lack of awareness or vigilance in identifying fraudulent communications.
Mishandling of Data: Sensitive information can be compromised through improper storage or transmission, such as sending confidential files to the wrong recipient or using insecure communication channels. Such errors can expose data to unauthorized parties and result in significant security breaches.
Poor Password Practices: Using weak passwords or sharing them can lead to unauthorized access to systems and data. Employees might reuse passwords across multiple accounts, making them vulnerable to credentia-stuffing attacks.
Neglecting Security Protocols: Failing to follow established security measures, such as bypassing multi-factor authentication or ignoring encryption standards, can open the door to potential threats. These oversights often occur due to convenience or a lack of understanding of the importance of these protocols.
Configuration Errors: Misconfiguring security settings or access controls can accidentally grant excessive permissions to users or expose sensitive data. These errors can stem from complex system setups or inadequate training.
Unpatched Software: Delays in applying critical software updates or patches can leave systems vulnerable to known exploits. Attackers often target outdated software to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code.
Recent Insider Threat Incidents Involving Human Error
1. LinkedIn Data Leak (2021)
Incident Overview
In June 2021, LinkedIn faced a significant data leak that compromised the personal information of over 700 million users. The incident was traced back to a human error involving the misconfiguration of an API, which inadvertently allowed unauthorized access to user data. This configuration flaw exposed sensitive information, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, and professional details. The exposed data scraped from public and private LinkedIn profiles, was later found for sale on dark web forums, highlighting the severity of the breach.
Impact and Repercussions
The data leak raised concerns about privacy and data protection, potentially exposing millions of users to phishing attacks, identity theft, and other cyber threats. LinkedIn faced criticism for its handling of the incident and its data security practices.
Lessons Learned
Organizations must ensure that APIs are securely configured and regularly audited for vulnerabilities. Implementing robust access controls and monitoring API activity can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
2. Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack (2021)
Incident Overview
In May 2021, Colonial Pipeline, a major fuel pipeline operator in the United States, experienced a ransomware attack that led to the shutdown of its operations. The attackers gained access through a compromised password linked to an inactive VPN account. This human error allowed the attackers to deploy ransomware, disrupting fuel supplies along the East Coast. Colonial Pipeline paid a ransom of $4.4 million to regain control, although much of the ransom was later recovered by authorities. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with password management and the need for multi-factor authentication.
Impact and Repercussions
The attack caused widespread fuel shortages, panic buying, and significant economic disruption. The incident prompted a reevaluation of cybersecurity practices across the energy sector and led to increased regulatory scrutiny.
Lessons Learned
Organizations must enforce strong password policies, regularly audit inactive accounts, and implement multi-factor authentication to mitigate the risk of similar attacks. Continuous monitoring and incident response plans are crucial for minimizing the impact of breaches.
3. SolarWinds Data Breach (2021)
Incident Overview:
In 2021, the SolarWinds data breach made headlines due to its extensive impact on government agencies and private companies. The incident was partially attributed to an intern at SolarWinds who set a weak password ("solarwinds123") for a critical system. This password was discovered on a public-facing GitHub repository, which made it accessible to malicious actors. The compromised credentials allowed attackers to infiltrate SolarWinds' Orion software, which was used by numerous high-profile clients, including government agencies. This breach demonstrated how a simple human error in password management could lead to widespread security vulnerabilities and substantial consequences.
Impact and Repercussions:
The breach had far-reaching consequences, compromising sensitive data across multiple sectors and leading to significant financial and reputational damage for SolarWinds. The incident highlighted the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices.
Causes and Preventive Measures:
The weak password set by an intern was an example of how poor password practices can lead to dangerous consequences. Preventive measures include implementing strong password policies, mandatory cybersecurity training for all employees, and enforcing multi-factor authentication to enhance security.
4. Accellion FTA Breach (2021)
Incident Overview
In early 2021, a vulnerability in Accellion's File Transfer Appliance (FTA) was exploited by attackers, leading to data breaches at multiple organizations, including universities, government agencies, and private companies. The breach was made worse when employees at the company were delayed in applying patches, leaving the vulnerability open for 72 hours. Sensitive information, including personal and financial data, was stolen and used for extortion.
Impact and Repercussions
The breach caused significant reputational damage to the affected organizations, financial losses, and regulatory scrutiny. The incident underscored the importance of timely patch management and the risks associated with legacy systems.
Lessons Learned
Organizations must prioritize patch management, especially for critical vulnerabilities, and regularly update or replace legacy systems. Effective communication and coordination between IT and security teams are essential for timely vulnerability remediation.
5. Oxfam Australia Data Breach (2022)
Incident Overview
In February 2022, Oxfam Australia experienced a data breach involving the personal information of thousands of donors. The breach was caused by human error in configuring an AWS S3 bucket, which was left publicly accessible. The exposed data included names, addresses, and donation details, raising concerns about privacy and data security.
Impact and Repercussions
The breach damaged Oxfam Australia's reputation, leading to a loss of donor trust and potential financial repercussions. The incident highlighted the risks associated with cloud storage misconfigurations.
Lessons Learned
Organizations must implement strict access controls and regularly audit cloud storage configurations to prevent unauthorized access. Training employees on cloud security best practices and conducting regular security assessments can help mitigate risks.
Leveraging Kaseware to Combat Insider Threats
While human error can’t always never fully be avoided, implementing software with security embedded into its design can reduce the risk of devastating consequences occurring due to a mistake. Kaseware offers a suite of robust tools to help organizations detect and prevent insider threats and mitigate them. Some of these tools include:
Administrative Controls: Restricting access to sensitive information based on roles, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical data, and reducing the risk of accidental or malicious data exposure.
Public Portals: Enabling employees to report suspicious activities anonymously, providing a safe channel for whistleblowers, and enhancing internal security awareness.
Incident Response: Streamlined workflows for efficient threat management, allowing organizations to quickly address and mitigate incidents, minimizing potential damage.
Advanced Monitoring: Real-time tracking of user activity to detect anomalies, providing continuous oversight and the ability to quickly identify and respond to suspicious behavior.
Kaseware’s comprehensive 2024 Insider Threat Guide provides detailed strategies for proactive threat management, helping organizations safeguard against internal risks.
Strengthen Your Security Posture
To learn more about enhancing your security posture and protecting your organization from insider threats, schedule a demo with Kaseware. Discover how our platform can help you identify, manage, and mitigate insider threats effectively.