Insider risk has become one of the most urgent challenges in enterprise security. As data flows freely across users, devices, cloud apps, GenAI tools, and hybrid workspaces, traditional defenses—built to block external threats or prevent leakage—fall short against insider-driven exposures. Unlike external attacks, insider risk is behavioral, context-driven, and embedded in everyday workflows. Incidents often stem from both intentional and unintentional user actions, whether by employees or contractors.
Yet most organizations still rely on fragmented tools that lack behavioral insight, contextual awareness, and real-time responsiveness. The result: persistent blind spots, delayed detection, and missed chances to act before damage occurs.
Research from this report and our earlier 2025 Data Security Study shows steady progress in building insider risk and data security frameworks. Budgets are growing, and most organizations now have structured programs in place. However, program maturity continues to lag, and the effectiveness of current tools in preventing sensitive data loss remains in question. A heavy reliance on traditional data loss prevention tools, in particular, appears to hinder programs and limit their overall impact.
Based on a comprehensive survey of 883 IT and security professionals conducted by Fortinet and Cybersecurity Insiders, this report reveals how organizations are rethinking insider risk. It highlights a shift from reactive enforcement to behavior-aware strategies and next-gen tool —solutions that provide visibility into business data flows while addressing decentralized data, distributed workforces, and the rapid adoption of AI.
Download this report that examines the current state of that transition and highlights the practices, capabilities, and priorities shaping the future of insider risk.
