What indicates a 'negligent' insider threat?

The identification of a 'negligent' insider threat primarily revolves around the unintentional actions of an individual that arise from a lack of awareness or understanding of security protocols. When an employee or insider is not adequately educated about the security measures in place, they may inadvertently engage in behaviors that compromise the organization's security. This could include mishandling sensitive data, failing to adhere to security procedures, or being unaware of the consequences of their actions, ultimately leading to potential breaches or vulnerabilities.

In contrast, other options involve intentional actions, such as deliberate damage to systems or theft of data. These are indicative of malicious insider threats rather than negligent ones. Accessing unauthorized areas of a network, if done intentionally, also signifies a deliberate act, further establishing a malicious intent rather than negligence. Therefore, the most fitting characteristic of a negligent insider threat is indeed the lack of education on security protocols, highlighting how crucial training and awareness are in mitigating these types of risks.