How should organizations protect sensitive data from insider threats?

Implementing rigorous access controls is a crucial strategy for protecting sensitive data from insider threats. Access controls allow organizations to define who can access specific data and under what conditions. By enforcing the principle of least privilege, organizations can limit access to sensitive data only to those employees who absolutely need it for their roles. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, whether intentional or accidental, from insiders who may misuse their privileges.

Moreover, access controls often include mechanisms such as authentication, authorization, and auditing, which help monitor and log access attempts. This visibility can be crucial in detecting suspicious behavior, allowing for a timely response before potential damage occurs. Such measures not only safeguard data but also foster accountability among employees, as their actions can be tracked.

The other options, while they have merit in their respective contexts, do not directly address the critical need for controlling access to sensitive data. For instance, increasing employee engagement activities may improve morale and reduce the likelihood of malicious intent, but they do not inherently protect data. Reducing data availability could lead to inefficiencies and hinder operations, and trusting employee intentions can be risky, as it may allow malicious behavior to go unchecked. Implementing rigorous access controls provides a more structured and effective approach to countering the risks associated with insider threats