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Insider Threat Investigation

Procedures for investigating potential insider threats, balancing security with legal and HR considerations.

Days to weeks5 steps10 checklist items

Summary

Sensitive investigation framework for handling suspected malicious or negligent insider activity.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Initial Assessment

Evaluate the indicators and potential severity.

Actions

Document the specific indicators that triggered concern

Assess whether this is malicious, negligent, or compromised insider

Determine potential data or systems at risk

Evaluate urgency based on risk assessment

Stakeholder Coordination

Engage necessary parties with appropriate confidentiality.

Actions

Brief HR and Legal immediately

Determine investigation team with need-to-know

Establish secure communication channels

Define investigation scope and boundaries

Evidence Collection

Gather evidence while maintaining confidentiality.

Actions

Preserve relevant logs (email, file access, network)

Image systems if warranted

Document physical access patterns

Collect HR-related documentation

Analysis

Analyze evidence to determine scope and intent.

Actions

Review file access and transfer patterns

Analyze email communications

Evaluate network activity and destinations

Assess physical security indicators

Action Planning

Determine appropriate response actions.

Actions

Develop action plan with HR and Legal

Prepare for potential interview

Plan access revocation timing

Coordinate law enforcement engagement if warranted

Completion Checklist

Indicators documented

HR and Legal engaged

Confidentiality maintained

Evidence preserved

Access patterns analyzed

Data exfiltration assessed

Action plan developed

Employee interview conducted (if applicable)

Access revoked (if warranted)

Incident documented

Evidence to Collect

File access logs
Email communications
Network traffic logs
Physical access logs
HR documentation
Interview notes

Communication Templates

Legal hold notification
HR coordination memo
Employee interview script

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Step-by-Step Procedure

Initial Assessment

Evaluate the indicators and potential severity.

Actions

Document the specific indicators that triggered concern

Assess whether this is malicious, negligent, or compromised insider

Determine potential data or systems at risk

Evaluate urgency based on risk assessment

Stakeholder Coordination

Engage necessary parties with appropriate confidentiality.

Actions

Brief HR and Legal immediately

Determine investigation team with need-to-know

Establish secure communication channels

Define investigation scope and boundaries

Evidence Collection

Gather evidence while maintaining confidentiality.

Actions

Preserve relevant logs (email, file access, network)

Image systems if warranted

Document physical access patterns

Collect HR-related documentation

Analysis

Analyze evidence to determine scope and intent.

Actions

Review file access and transfer patterns

Analyze email communications

Evaluate network activity and destinations

Assess physical security indicators

Action Planning

Determine appropriate response actions.

Actions

Develop action plan with HR and Legal

Prepare for potential interview

Plan access revocation timing

Coordinate law enforcement engagement if warranted