What type of threat does a former employee accessing sensitive data represent?

A former employee accessing sensitive data is classified as a compromised insider threat. This designation arises from the fact that the individual once had legitimate access to the organization's systems and sensitive information but is now misusing that access due to prior malicious intent, disgruntlement, or other motivations after leaving the company.

The term "compromised" emphasizes that the insider threat comes from someone who was trusted within the organization and had the required credentials to access sensitive data. While they may no longer be employed, their previous permissions can still pose a significant risk if they choose to exploit that access, whether to steal data, sabotage operations, or for other malicious reasons.

This scenario is critical to address in security protocols, as insider threats can be particularly difficult to detect and prevent, especially when the individual has inside knowledge of the organization's systems and weaknesses. Understanding and mitigating these threats involve implementing comprehensive exit protocols and monitoring access even after an employee leaves, ensuring that former staff no longer retain access to sensitive data.