Why Every Organisation Should Do an Insider Risk Self-Assessment And Why It’s Only the First Step

In today’s digital world, some of the biggest threats to your organisation’s security and reputation come from within. Whether it’s a well-meaning employee making a mistake, a contractor with too much access, or a disgruntled insider acting maliciously, insider risks are rising sharply, and the consequences can be devastating.

What Is Insider Risk and Why Does It Matter?

Insider Risk refers to the potential for harm that arises when people inside your organisation,  employees, vendors, or partners, misuse their access to data, systems, or assets. These incidents can be accidental or intentional, but both can lead to data breaches, financial losses, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.

Recent industry reports show that insider attacks are becoming more frequent and costly, with nearly half of organisations experiencing an increase in incidents. With the growing complexity of remote work and digital collaboration and geopolitical events, the risk landscape is only expanding.

Why Start with a Self-Assessment?

A self-assessment is the most accessible, immediate way to begin understanding your organisation’s insider risk posture. It allows you to:

• Identify hidden vulnerabilities by reviewing your current policies, behaviours, and controls.
• Raise organisational awareness and foster a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
• Receive actionable feedback that you can use to make quick improvements.

A well-designed self-assessment, like the one we offer, provides a personalised maturity score and insights across key risk domains. It’s a practical, low-barrier way to start the conversation about insider risk within your team.

But Don’t Stop There: The Value of a Full Insider Risk Assessment

While a self-assessment is an excellent first indicator, it’s important to recognise its limitations. A self-assessment offers a glimpse, a snapshot, of where you stand today. It can highlight areas of concern and give you a sense of your overall maturity, but it does not provide the depth, benchmarking, or tailored solutions that a comprehensive, expert-led insider risk assessment delivers.

A full insider risk assessment will:

• Deeply analyse your organisation’s unique risk landscape, including technical, behavioural, and cultural factors.
• Identify specific gaps and vulnerabilities that may not be visible in a self-assessment.
• Benchmark your maturity against similar organisations in your sector.
• Provide tailored recommendations and a clear roadmap for improving your insider risk posture, from policy development to incident response and employee training.
• Support compliance and help preserve your reputation by demonstrating proactive risk management to regulators, customers, and partners.

The Path to Resilience Starts Here

Insider risk management is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process that requires commitment, awareness, and continuous improvement. By starting with a self-assessment, you’re taking the first, crucial step toward building a more secure, resilient organisation.

Ready to uncover your strengths and address your blind spots? Do the Self Assessment Today.

But don’t let it be your last step. Use your results as a springboard for deeper analysis, expert guidance, and a proactive approach to safeguarding your most valuable assets.