A framework of opportunity-reducing techniques to mitigate the insider threat

Abstract

This paper presents a unified framework derived from extant opportunity-reducing techniques employed to mitigate the insider threat leveraging best practices. Although both motive and opportunity are required to commit maleficence, this paper focuses on the concept of opportunity. Opportunity is more tangible than motive; hence, it is more pragmatic to reflect on opportunity-reducing measures. Situational Crime Prevention theory is the most evolved criminology theory with respect to opportunity-reducing techniques. Hence, this theory will be the basis of the theoretical framework. The derived framework highlights several areas of research and may assist organizations in implementing controls that are situationally appropriate to mitigate insider threat.