Why Insider Risk Matters (Without Being a Trust Issue)
When things go wrong inside a business (like sensitive files being sent to the wrong person) it’s easy to assume the worst. But the truth is, most insider risks aren’t malicious at all. They’re everyday mistakes made by people under pressure.
In fact, research shows that around 80% of Australian companies report data losses due to careless behaviour, not targeted attacks. That’s misdirected emails, forgotten attachments, or files left unsecured – simple slip-ups that can have big consequences.
This isn’t about distrusting your team. It’s about giving them the tools and support to do their jobs safely, without costly errors that impact your business and your clients.
What’s at Stake for Your Business
Without safeguards in place, even the most well-meaning employee may cause unintended data leaks that damage client relationships, compliance breaches that result in fines or downtime, and/or internal confusion about where data lives, how it’s shared, and who has access.
Insider risk management isn’t about blame. It’s about resilience. Creating guardrails ensures that mistakes don’t spiral into incidents that harm your business.
How Microsoft Purview Helps Manage Insider Risk
1. Spot Patterns Before Problems Escalate
Most issues start small. Microsoft Purview uses signals like repeated mislabelling, unusual downloads, or large file transfers to highlight potential risks early before they turn into breaches.
2. Focus on Behaviours, Not Individuals
Purview doesn’t spy on staff or invade privacy. Instead, it tracks behaviours like file sharing or attempts to bypass security labels, giving you context on risky actions without targeting people.
3. Educate, Don’t Punish
With the right configuration, Purview can send helpful nudges such as, “You tried to share a confidential file externally — did you mean to?” This approach builds awareness and creates teachable moments, instead of blame or fear.
4. Adapt and Improve Over Time
The most effective insider risk programs evolve. By reviewing alerts and working with frontline leaders, you can fine-tune policies so they’re practical, balanced, and tailored to the way your teams actually work.
5. Use Data-Driven Insight
The numbers tell the story – while ransomware remains a threat, it’s far less common than insider-related risks. Data loss from careless insiders is significantly more likely than external attacks, making insider risk management a top priority.
A Human-First Approach to Risk Management
At its core, Microsoft Purview Insider Risk isn’t about suspicion, it’s about support. It helps you:
- Catch and correct accidental mistakes before they become breaches.
- Respect employee privacy while keeping oversight strong.
- Build a culture of care, accountability, and confidence.
By taking a balanced approach, you protect both your business and your people.
Ready to Strengthen Your Insider Risk Strategy?
Insider risk doesn’t have to mean insider distrust. With Microsoft Purview, you can create a safer, smarter workplace that reduces risk without compromising your culture. Reach out to our team at IQPC to chat about how Insider Risk Management fits into your broader compliance and cybersecurity strategy.
