How does an external insider gain access to a system?

An external insider typically gains access to a system through a trustworthy relationship with the organization. This relationship may provide the external party with the access or information necessary to penetrate the organization’s defenses. Such a connection can lead to scenarios where the external insider is trusted to a degree that allows them to manipulate their access to the organization’s systems or data.

In contrast, leveraging stolen credentials from an internal person typically falls under external hacking activity, whereas exploiting negligent practices often involves carelessness by internal employees. Additionally, exploiting known vulnerabilities focuses on technical weaknesses in the system itself rather than the dynamics of trust and interpersonal relationships that characterize an external insider’s access.