What is a common physical security risk involving employees?

Insider threats represent a significant physical security risk involving employees because they can lead to intentional or unintentional harm to an organization’s assets, whether that be sensitive information or physical property. Employees have access to the facilities, equipment, and confidential data, making it easier for them to exploit vulnerabilities from within the organization.

This risk may manifest as theft of proprietary information, sabotage of physical assets, or even unauthorized access to secure areas in the workplace. Unlike external threats, which can be mitigated through perimeter security and access controls, insider threats require a different approach—focused on monitoring employee behavior, ensuring proper access controls, and fostering a culture of security awareness.

On the other hand, equipment malfunction, natural disasters, and software vulnerabilities are important considerations in the scope of physical and data security but are typically categorized differently. Equipment malfunction is a risk related to operational failures rather than intentional actions by employees. Natural disasters relate to environmental risks that are beyond human control, and software vulnerabilities pertain to cybersecurity rather than physical security. Thus, insider threats distinctly highlight the importance of employee behavior and trust in maintaining a secure physical environment.