What does an insider threat refer to in a military context?

An insider threat in a military context specifically refers to a person who has authorized access to vital military assets, facilities, or information but may misuse that access to harm the organization, compromise operations, or leak sensitive information. This could include military personnel, contractors, or civil service employees who, due to their authorized status, have the ability to potentially exploit their position for malicious purposes, whether intentional or unintentional.

Understanding insider threats is critical because they pose unique risks that differ from external threats. While external hackers and foreign diplomats could represent risks to military security, they lack the direct access to classified systems or sensitive environments that insiders possess. Therefore, the focus on individuals who have a certain level of access highlights the vulnerabilities that come from trusted personnel. This awareness is essential for developing effective security protocols and countermeasures within military and defense operations.