The threat from insiders represents one of the most serious risks to the security of critical infrastructure and public order. In many cases, the damage caused by malicious insiders could have been prevented with adequate preventive and detection measures. Behavioral Science can offer significant insights for preventing and addressing such threats, particularly in the European context, where critical infrastructures require a high level of protection.
What is Behavioral Science?
Behavioral Science is a branch of science (such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology) that focuses on understanding and addressing human behavior. Through it, we can understand why and how someone chooses a specific course of action, which helps us predict and intervene if necessary. Within the framework of the European Union, this approach can become a cornerstone for the protection of critical infrastructure.
The Need for European Regulations
In the European Union, while there are regulations and directives concerning information security, data protection, and cybersecurity, there is not yet a unified framework that specifically focuses on mitigating insider threats. The NIS Directive (Network and Information Systems Directive) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are significant steps, but the need for more specific regulations concerning insider threats is now imperative.
The Role of Behavioral Scientists
Behavioral scientists can support insider threat programs by providing training, consulting, and research. Some of the ways they can help include:
- Identifying and Interpreting Concerning Behaviors
- Providing Specialized Consulting, Training, and Analytical Tools
- Applying Contemporary Research to Enhance Prevention, Detection, and Mitigation Efforts
- Conducting Interviews, Reviewing Case Studies, and Analyzing Data
- Organizational Culture
Organizational culture consists of the deep-seated beliefs, assumptions, values, and norms that shape the social and psychological environment observed in schools, universities, non-profit groups, government services, and businesses, reflecting their core values and strategic direction. This culture acts as a “filter” that influences the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of employees. A healthy organizational culture can constitute the first barrier against insider threats.
The Critical Pathway
Critical pathway analysis is an approach used in business and medical fields to identify the relationships between processes and their most critical and vulnerable points. In the context of insider threat mitigation, the critical pathway involves four elements:
- Predisposition: Personal characteristics that can increase risk, such as medical/psychiatric conditions, social media risks, prior violations of rules, etc.
- Stressors: Events that cause stress, either positive or negative, such as personal, financial, or professional changes.
- Concerning Behaviors: Behaviors that may indicate risk, such as problems in interpersonal relationships, financial difficulties, or suspicious travel movements.
- Problematic Organizational Responses: The organization’s inadequate response to such behaviors can exacerbate the situation.
The Need for European Action
The European Union must develop a unified framework for addressing insider threats, particularly in critical sectors such as energy, transport, health, and communication services. This framework should include:
- Specific regulations for mitigating insider threats.
- Training programs to enhance employee awareness and skills.
- Collaboration between member states for information sharing and best practices.
Conclusion
Understanding and applying Behavioral Science can be a critical tool for preventing and mitigating insider threats in the European Union. Through behavioral analysis, strengthening organizational culture, and implementing preventive measures, we can protect critical infrastructure and ensure the security of our citizens.
