Definitions

Definition 1

Entities have varying levels of access to organizations' resources. The binary classification insider versus outsider is a highly simplified model. In contrast, considering access levels as a continuum allows for a more sophisticated model and may help focus on the most critical aspect: access, rather than statute.

Illustration

Open

Related Terms

• Access

• Continuum

• Insider

• Insider Threat

• Level of Access

• Outsider

• Outsider Threat

Quotes

Our theme is that the distinction between “insider” and “outsider” is not binary; rather, there are “attackers” with varying degrees and types of access. One can call some set of these attackers “insiders,” with the complement being the “outsiders,” but countermeasures should focus on the access and not on whether the attackers are insiders. Thus, we see attacks as spanning a continuum of levels and types of access, and use that as the basis of our discussion. We emphasize that people comfortable thinking in terms of “insiders” and “outsiders” can superimpose that partition on our notion of “attackers with varying levels of access.” That partition, however, will vary based on circumstances and environment.

Bibliography

• Bishop et al., 2010

See Also