Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

A former employee accessing customer files remotely through a company's network represents which type of security risk?

1. Internal

2. External

3. Unauthorized Access

4. Data Leakage

The correct answer is: Internal

When considering the situation of a former employee accessing customer files remotely through a company's network, this scenario primarily represents an internal security risk. Internal risks typically stem from individuals who have had prior access to the systems or data and may still maintain some level of access after their employment has ended. Since the former employee had previously been part of the organization, they possess knowledge of the network's structure and possibly the methods to navigate through it, making their actions a significant threat. This situation is especially concerning because such actions can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially impacting confidentiality and overall security protocols. While unauthorized access describes the action itself, the internal risk is emphasized by the individual's prior affiliation with the company. This highlights the importance of proper access management and termination procedures to ensure that former employees no longer have access to sensitive data. This reinforces the necessity for organizations to implement rigorous controls for access rights, particularly during employee termination processes.