Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which type of insider typically uses their technical skills to exploit organizational weaknesses for personal gain?

1. Professional insiders

2. Negligent insiders

3. Malicious insiders

4. Compromised insiders

The correct answer is: Professional insiders

The type of insider who typically uses their technical skills to exploit organizational weaknesses for personal gain is known as a professional insider. These individuals are often skilled employees, such as IT staff or system administrators, who possess a deep understanding of the organization's systems, processes, and vulnerabilities. They leverage this knowledge to engage in unethical or illegal activities, such as stealing sensitive data or facilitating fraud, often driven by personal motivations, such as financial gain or revenge. Professional insiders can be particularly dangerous because they are already trusted within the organization and can operate under the radar, making it challenging for security measures to detect their malicious actions. Their technical expertise allows them to bypass security protocols that might be effective against less knowledgeable individuals. In contrast, negligent insiders typically do not exploit vulnerabilities intentionally; instead, they may cause harm through carelessness or lack of awareness, leading to unintentional data breaches or security incidents. Malicious insiders, similar to professional insiders, also have harmful intent, but they may not possess the same level of technical proficiency. Compromised insiders are usually individuals who have been coerced or manipulated into acting against the organization, often without the malicious intent associated with professional insiders.