What impact does remote work have on insider threats?

Remote work can increase vulnerability to insider threats due to several factors related to the shifting dynamics of work environments. When employees work remotely, traditional oversight mechanisms that help monitor activities and behaviors may be diminished. In office settings, managers can observe employee interactions and workflows more directly, which can deter potential malicious actions or unintentional mistakes that could lead to insider threats.

Additionally, remote work environments often enable employees to operate in less secure digital spaces, such as personal devices or unsecured networks, increasing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. The lack of physical presence and face-to-face interaction can also lead to a breakdown in trust and transparency, making it easier for individuals with malicious intent to act without detection.

Therefore, while remote work provides flexibility and other benefits, it can create a more challenging landscape for identifying and mitigating insider threats, supporting the idea that remote work indeed has the potential to increase vulnerability.