What is an Insider Threat?
An insider threat refers to a security risk that originates from within the organization. This could be an employee, contractor, or vendor with access to systems and data who misuses that access — either maliciously or unintentionally.
There are typically three categories:
-
Malicious insiders (e.g., disgruntled employees stealing data)
-
Negligent insiders (e.g., employees who fall for phishing or mishandle data)
-
Compromised insiders (e.g., user accounts hijacked by external actors)
The impact can be devastating — data theft, compliance violations, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.
A Real-World Example: Automotive Industry Insider Sabotage
Not Only Coinbase was effected by insider threat, In a recent high-profile case, a major automotive company discovered that a former employee had sabotaged internal systems and exfiltrated sensitive data just before their departure. The individual reportedly altered code and transferred confidential files to external storage, going undetected for a significant period. This incident underscores how challenging it can be to detect and contain insider threats — especially when internal users are treated as inherently trusted.
How SURF Helps Detect and Prevent Insider Threats
The SURF Enterprise Browser and Extension is purpose-built to secure the modern, browser-centric workspace — where most SaaS work and sensitive data flow today. Here’s how SURF proactively protects against insider risks:
Granular Access Control
Admins can restrict access based on user role, location, device posture, and risk profile — ensuring only the right people can access the right resources.
Full Session Visibility
SURF provides detailed session logs of user activity — including file uploads/downloads, clipboard usage, attempted screen sharing, and more. This visibility helps detect abnormal behavior early.
Behavioral Restrictions
You can block risky behavior such as:
-
Copy-pasting sensitive data
-
Printing or downloading files from specific apps
-
Using screen-sharing tools
-
Accessing unapproved SaaS or web platforms
Context-Aware Policies
SURF policies adapt dynamically — for example, if an employee logs in from an unmanaged device or fails a posture check, their access can be automatically restricted or redirected.
Audit Trail for Compliance
Every user action is logged in real-time, supporting forensic investigations and compliance audits for frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, or HIPAA.
Final Thoughts
Insider threats are no longer edge cases — they are a growing, recurring risk in today’s distributed, cloud-first workplaces. Traditional tools aren’t built to handle the nuance of trusted yet risky users.
That’s where SURF comes in.
Whether you’re dealing with a malicious actor or just an employee who made a mistake, SURF ensures that visibility, control, and prevention are built into every browser session — turning your biggest blind spot into your strongest line of defense.
