- Unauthorized Access and Data Theft: Employees with technical know-how can exploit weaknesses in systems to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems, leading to data theft or espionage for personal gain or malicious intent.
- Cyberbullying and Harassment: Digital communication channels, such as email, messaging apps, or social media platforms, can be used for cyberbullying or harassment among colleagues, impacting workplace morale and mental health.
- Misuse of Company Resources: Employees may misuse company-owned devices or networks for personal purposes, such as streaming content, gaming, or engaging in non-work-related activities, impacting productivity and potentially compromising security.
- Insider Threats: Cyber technology enables insiders to intentionally or inadvertently cause harm by leaking confidential information, manipulating data, or introducing malware or viruses into the company’s systems.
- Phishing and Social Engineering: Employees might fall victim to phishing attempts or social engineering tactics, compromising sensitive information or granting unauthorized access to cybercriminals.
- Unauthorized Software and Shadow IT: Employees might download unauthorized software or utilize unapproved tools and applications (Shadow IT), potentially introducing security vulnerabilities and bypassing company policies.
- Cyber Sabotage: Disgruntled employees could engage in cyber sabotage, disrupting operations, deleting or manipulating critical data, or causing system failures intentionally.