An insider who uses technical knowledge to identify network weaknesses and sells confidential information is best described as a ...

An insider who uses technical knowledge to identify network weaknesses and sells confidential information is best described as a ...

• A. Compromised Insider
• B. Negligent Insider
• C. Professional Insider
• D. Malicious Insider

Answer: (C)

This question looks at insider threat categories by combining skill level with intent. An insider who uses technical knowledge to identify network weaknesses shows a high level of capability and methodical approach to exploiting systems. Selling confidential information adds a business-like, profit-driven motive. Put together, this describes someone who treats the activity as a professional pursuit, not just a one-off or incidental action. So the best fit is a Professional Insider. This differs from a compromised insider (someone’s credentials or access have been hijacked), a negligent insider (carelessness leading to exposure), or a malicious insider (intent to harm) without necessarily highlighting the professional, trade-like nature of the activity. The emphasis here is on skilled, purposeful exploitation and monetization, which is why Professional Insider is the most accurate label.

This question looks at insider threat categories by combining skill level with intent. An insider who uses technical knowledge to identify network weaknesses shows a high level of capability and methodical approach to exploiting systems. Selling confidential information adds a business-like, profit-driven motive. Put together, this describes someone who treats the activity as a professional pursuit, not just a one-off or incidental action. So the best fit is a Professional Insider.

This differs from a compromised insider (someone’s credentials or access have been hijacked), a negligent insider (carelessness leading to exposure), or a malicious insider (intent to harm) without necessarily highlighting the professional, trade-like nature of the activity. The emphasis here is on skilled, purposeful exploitation and monetization, which is why Professional Insider is the most accurate label.