How often should organizations review their insider threat policies?

Organizations should review their insider threat policies at least annually or whenever significant changes occur because this practice ensures that the policies remain effective and relevant in the face of evolving threats and organizational dynamics. Regular reviews allow organizations to assess the performance of their current strategies, incorporate lessons learned from previous incidents, and adapt to changes in technology, organizational structure, or regulatory requirements.

Conducting reviews at least annually provides a systematic approach to identify any gaps in policies or procedures that may have emerged over time. Furthermore, addressing significant changes—such as mergers, acquisitions, or major updates to IT infrastructure—helps to ensure that the policies acknowledge new vulnerabilities or risks that may have arisen from these changes. This proactive approach not only safeguards the organization’s assets but also demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a robust insider threat management strategy.

In contrast, reviewing policies every month may lead to unnecessary administrative burden without allowing enough time to observe the effectiveness of any implemented changes. Only reviewing policies during audits could leave gaps in monitoring and lead to a reactive rather than proactive stance. The notion that policies should never be reviewed is misguided, as it underestimates the fast-paced changes in both threat landscapes and organizational structures that these policies must adapt to in order to remain effective.