Inside Jobs: Why Insider Risk Is the Biggest Cyber Threat You Can't Ignore

by Joe Payne, Jadee Hanson, Mark Wojtasiak

From data security company Code42, Inside Jobs offers companies of all sizes a new way to secure today’s collaborative cultures—one that works without compromising sensitive company data or slowing business down. Authors Joe Payne, Jadee Hanson, and Mark Wojtasiak, seasoned veterans in the cybersecurity space, provide a top-down and bottom-up picture of the rewards and perils involved in running and securing organizations focused on rapid, iterative, and collaborative innovation.

Modern day data security can no longer be accomplished by “Big Brother” forms of monitoring or traditional prevention solutions that rely solely on classification and blocking systems. These technologies frustrate employees, impede collaboration, and force productivity work-arounds that risk the very data you need to secure. They provide the illusion that your trade secrets, customer lists, patents, and other intellectual property are protected. That couldn’t be farther from the truth, as insider threats continue to grow. These include:
 
-Well-intentioned employees inadvertently sharing proprietary data
-Departing employees taking your trade secrets with them to the competition
-A high-risk employee moving source code to an unsanctioned cloud service
 
What’s the solution? It’s not the hunt for hooded, malicious wrongdoers that you might expect. The new world of data security is built on security acting as an ally versus an adversary. It assumes positive intent, creates organizational transparency, establishes acceptable data use policies, increases security awareness, and provides ongoing training. Whether you are a CEO, CIO, CISO, CHRO, general counsel, or business leader, this book will help you understand the important role you have to play in securing the collaborative cultures of the future.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2020

About the author

JOE PAYNE is the president and CEO of Code42, a leading data security company that focuses on reducing the risk of data leakage from insider threats. With more than twenty years of experience as a CEO, he has a proven track record leading high growth security and technology companies. Previously, Joe served as CEO of eSecurity, Eloqua, and eGrail, and as president of iDefense. He has led some of the world’s best security researchers and worked with top US government agencies to improve their risk profiles.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book is written in a clear, simple, and informative way that explains the basics of cybersecurity. It seems to be geared to helping businesses set up a system that will not only protect the company from loss of data, information, and patentable processes, but also could help employees learn their responsibilities in maintaining security. The authors give many examples of how employees have inadvertently put the company at risk by using work computers for personal reasons or establishing workarounds that violate company safety protocols. The authors are aware that collaboration and sharing is very important for efficiency, but employees need training and trust from the company to ensure both sides have their needs met. In addition, there will always be those who may intentionally want to compromise safety. Resources and charts are included to help companies get started with a system that addresses changes in worker locations (e.g. remotely vs. office building.) and encouraging staff to be onboard with the company requirements.
This book has given me an understanding of cybersecurity as seen from the perspective of both management and labor, as well as emphasizing the need to keep data secure. It is an easy way to understand valuable information about tech today.

[Susan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read about cybersecurity. I did not know much about the topic and this book really opened my eyes.

[Nicole Kegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, easy read. If you are in the field of insider risk, this is a must read. A lot of great information for just about every role.