Work

The anatomy of insider threats: exploring safety consciousness in an adverse recruitment process

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Utilizing the Critical Incident Technique (CIT), this in-depth case study explores the role of individual safety consciousness in an adversary recruitment process. The data stems from the legal proceedings of a criminal case in which Russian Foreign Intelligence (SVR) successfully recruited a trusted employee from a societal safety-oriented organization. Based on three CIT categories: (1) professional recruitment strategies, (2) safety consciousness in the recruitment process, and (3) change in behavior due to the recruitment process, we provide a conceptual model and typology of insider threats. Conceptualized through security violations as accidental & neglective , self-motivated , and actor-driven insider threats, the results may help organizations delineate and target preventive efforts and draw on existing research.

Source: Security Journal

DOI: 10.1057/s41284-026-00551-2

Authors: Tarald Slåttebrekk, Brita Bjørkelo, Kari Wik Ågotnes, Olav Kjellevold Olsen

Institutions: National Security Authority, University of Bergen, Norwegian Police University College, BI Norwegian Business School

Language: English

Topic: Information and Cyber Security

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090