The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) has released a comprehensive report on insider threat mitigation for U.S. critical infrastructure, highlighting the growing risk posed by trusted individuals with access to sensitive systems, facilities, and personnel. With foreign adversaries and cybercriminals increasingly targeting private sector organizations, state and local governments, and academic institutions, the report emphasizes that insider threats must be recognized as a critical security challenge alongside cyber and physical threats.
This guidance comes at a time when U.S. critical infrastructure is under unprecedented pressure from both foreign intelligence entities and sophisticated cybercriminal organizations. The report outlines how adversaries collect vast amounts of data—both public and non-public—on individuals and organizations, using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to identify, target, and exploit vulnerabilities for espionage, sabotage, or financial gain.
Why Insider Threats Are an Urgent Concern for Critical Infrastructure
Unlike external cyber threats, which often rely on hacking networks remotely, insider threats originate from within—whether through malicious intent, coercion, negligence, or human error. The report warns that foreign actors are not only targeting government agencies but also power grids, financial institutions, healthcare systems, transportation networks, and technology firms. These sectors house critical intellectual property, research data, and operational controls, making them prime targets for espionage, financial fraud, and disruptive attacks.
Insider threats can manifest in various ways, including:
- Economic espionage, where employees steal sensitive technology or trade secrets for foreign competitors or adversarial governments.
- Sabotage, where insiders intentionally disrupt operations, damage infrastructure, or introduce vulnerabilities into key systems.
- Fraud and financial crimes, involving embezzlement, identity theft, or unauthorized transactions.
- Workplace violence and security breaches, where access to facilities or sensitive data is exploited for harmful purposes.
The National Insider Threat Task Force (NITTF) has long provided guidance on managing classified government data and protecting national security interests. However, the 2025 NCSC report expands upon existing guidance by tailoring recommendations for critical infrastructure sectors, many of which have unique challenges that require customized insider threat programs.
Key Recommendations for Insider Threat Mitigation
The report offers actionable strategies that organizations can implement to strengthen their security posture against insider threats. These include:
- Human-Centric Security Approaches – Since insider threats are fundamentally a human problem, organizations need to focus on anomalous behavior detection, workforce engagement, and trust-building mechanisms to identify potential risks early.
- Integration with Cybersecurity and Risk Management – Insider threat programs should not be siloed but rather integrated with existing security measures, cyber intelligence, and supply chain protections.
- Dedicated Insider Threat Programs – Organizations are encouraged to establish formal insider threat mitigation programs that include continuous monitoring, anomaly detection, and coordinated responses across departments (security, HR, legal, and IT).
- Public-Private Collaboration – The report highlights the importance of information sharing between government agencies, private sector firms, and academia to enhance national security resilience.
- Leadership Buy-In and Workforce Awareness – Successful insider threat programs require executive leadership support, ongoing workforce education, and a culture of vigilance without creating a climate of mistrust.
Insider Threats vs. Remote Cyber Threats: A False Choice
Many organizations focus primarily on cybersecurity defenses against external hackers, but the report warns that overlooking insider threats leaves organizations dangerously exposed. Even the most advanced cyber defenses can be bypassed if a trusted insider—whether coerced, disgruntled, or careless—provides an entry point.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work adoption, increasing reliance on cloud systems, personal devices, and distributed IT environments. While this transformation provided efficiency gains, it also widened the attack surface for insider threats. Employees working remotely may be less connected to organizational culture, more vulnerable to social engineering, or prone to accidental data exposure.
The report notes that while remote-access cyber threats (e.g., phishing, malware, and credential theft) are widely recognized, organizations must give equal attention to the risks posed by trusted insiders who have legitimate system access but may abuse it.
The Role of Intelligence in Insider Threat Programs
Organizations that effectively counter insider threats take a proactive approach—one that mirrors intelligence operations by continuously assessing risks, monitoring patterns, and anticipating emerging threats before they escalate. The report suggests that security teams should:
- Leverage user activity monitoring (UAM) tools to detect unusual system access or behavioral anomalies.
- Conduct trend analysis and security assessments to identify weak points in workforce security.
- Utilize red-teaming and tabletop exercises to simulate insider threat scenarios and test organizational response capabilities.
- Establish reporting mechanisms that encourage employees to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
Insider Threat Programs Are Not Just Security Initiatives—They Are Business Imperatives
A well-structured insider threat program is not just a security measure; it is a critical business function that protects an organization’s financial stability, intellectual property, workforce safety, and operational integrity. The report underscores that successful organizations do not treat insider threat mitigation as a compliance checkbox—they make it a core component of risk management and corporate governance.
As geopolitical tensions rise and adversaries continue to exploit insider vulnerabilities, U.S. critical infrastructure must take decisive steps to strengthen its security posture.
For a detailed breakdown of threat trends, case studies, and best practices, read the full NCSC report on Insider Threat Mitigation for U.S. Critical Infrastructure.
