Geopolitical Implications on Insider Threats in Europe
European nations have witnessed a rise in hostile actions from countries like Russia and China, which are actively engaging in espionage to weaken economic stability and gain technological advantages. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, cyber-attacks and espionage activities surged, primarily targeting NATO member states and industries critical to national security.
Hostile nations aim to gather intelligence, steal intellectual property, and disrupt government operations. In particular, the defense, technology, and energy sectors have been vulnerable. Microsoft’s recent Digital Defense Report highlights the increase in phishing campaigns aimed at European defense organizations, often linked to geopolitical motives, such as intelligence collection related to Ukraine or other military activities – and cyber efforts are just part of this hostile strategy, infiltrating these sectors with real people is also part of their efforts.
Why they do it is simple, cyber attacks and insider threats can give adversarial states access to strategic information, critical technologies, and influence societal situations aimed at destabilizing regions.
Trends in Insider Threat Crimes
The insider threat landscape is constantly evolving, with crimes ranging from intellectual property theft to more complex espionage activities. According to CISA, insider threats now encompass a broad range of activities, including unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, sabotage, and financial fraud.
Collusion between employees and external threat actors is on the rise, with increasing evidence of insiders being recruited by hostile nations or criminal organizations to steal proprietary information or enable cyberattacks. Recent data shows that insider threats have increased globally, with 68% of organizations reporting at least one insider threat incident in the past 12 months (CISA). The financial impact of these crimes is also significant, with the average annual cost of insider-related incidents now estimated at over €10 million for European companies.
How Background Screening Can Prevent Insider Threats
In this challenging environment, HR departments in these critical sectors play a crucial role in mitigating insider threats by identifying potential risks before individuals are granted access to sensitive information. Background screening is a critical tool in this process, helping businesses identify red flags such as fake credentials, criminal records, or prior incidents of fraud.
For industries facing espionage threats, particularly in defense and critical infrastructure, enhanced screening protocols can identify candidates with links to hostile nations or risky associations. By conducting thorough background checks, HR can help ensure that employees do not pose a security risk, reducing the likelihood of insider collusion with foreign adversaries. In conclusion, the rise in insider threats in Europe, driven by geopolitical tensions and state-sponsored espionage, necessitates robust HR practices to protect organizations.
Background screening is a vital component in safeguarding businesses from hostile actors seeking to exploit internal vulnerabilities. By incorporating these tools, European companies can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats and safeguard their assets and intellectual property from hostile influences.
