An enormous threat exists within your own organization, on a poorly secured network, current and former employees can steal data and devices, access resources they are not authorized to use, and launch malicious attacks.

Here is a seven-point strategy for deterring insider network security breaches:

• Develop and enforce human resources policies that perform background checks, monitor employee behavior, and revoke network access upon termination of employment
• Establish and enforce strict security policies that define the "principle of least privilege" for each network user, giving access only to essential assets
• Conduct security posture assessments that identify exploitable vulnerabilities
• Implement a multilayer security architecture that reduces vulnerabilities and exploits
• Implant expertise
• Prepare for attack
• Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of your network security by conducting a penetration (pen) test, which simulates malicious hacker attacks. Have an impartial third party, such as a consultant, conduct the test