Exabeam has released new research highlighting how AI-driven insider threats now surpass external cyberattacks as the top security concern. The report, From Human to Hybrid: How AI and the Analytics Gap Are Fueling Insider Risk, surveyed 1,010 cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
According to findings, 64% of respondents view insiders malicious or compromised as a bigger risk than external actors. Generative AI is a key driver, making insider attacks faster, stealthier, and harder to detect. Steve Wilson, Chief AI and Product Officer at Exabeam, warned, “Insiders are no longer just people. They’re AI agents operating at machine speed, abusing valid credentials, and mimicking trusted voices.”
Insider Threats Rising Across Industries
Insider activity is increasing in government, manufacturing, and healthcare. More than half of organizations (53%) reported higher insider incidents last year, and 54% expect this trend to grow. Government agencies foresee the steepest rise (73%), while Asia-Pacific and Japan show the highest projected growth (69%). In contrast, the Middle East expects a decline, with 30% predicting reduced insider risk. This divide reflects varying defense strategies and regional readiness.
AI Powers Smarter and Faster Insider Attacks
AI has become a force multiplier for insider threats. AI-driven phishing and social engineering now rank among the top three insider attack vectors (27%). These tactics adapt in real time, making detection harder than ever. Unauthorized use of Generative AI adds further risk. Nearly 76% of organizations report unapproved AI usage, especially in technology (40%), government (38%), and financial services (32%). The Middle East ranks this misuse as its top insider concern (31%).
Detection Gaps Persist in Insider Threat Programs
Although 88% of organizations have insider threat programs, only 44% use behavioral analytics such as UEBA to spot abnormal activity. Many still rely on IAM, DLP, and EDR, which lack context for early detection. Kevin Kirkwood, CISO at Exabeam, stated, “AI has added speed and subtlety to insider threats that traditional defenses cannot detect. Without strong governance, security teams face a losing race.”
Closing the Insider Threat Gap
Exabeam research shows that organizations must align leadership priorities with operational realities. Success requires faster detection, improved response times, and collaboration across teams. The report concludes that AI adoption demands governance models capable of keeping pace with emerging threats, ensuring insider activity is caught before damage occurs.
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News Source: Businesswire.com