What is typically an indicator of a malicious insider threat?

A malicious insider threat often involves individuals within an organization misusing their access to sensitive information or systems. The option related to physical resource access is a significant indicator of this type of threat. Insiders typically have legitimate access to the organization’s physical resources, which can enable them to carry out harmful activities, such as stealing data or sabotaging systems.

By having physical access, a malicious insider can bypass many security measures that are designed to protect against external threats. This is particularly concerning because it involves a break in trust—individuals who are employed within the organization can leverage their knowledge of internal processes and systems to exploit vulnerabilities that external actors may not have. Monitoring and managing this access is crucial for preventing potential data breaches and other malicious activities.

The other options highlight important aspects of security but do not directly imply insider threats. Lack of external access can indicate strong perimeter security but isn't necessarily linked to internal malicious activity. Increased costs may suggest inefficiencies or mismanagement rather than a deliberate insider threat, and unexpected system outages can arise from various sources, including technical failures or external attacks, without implying a malicious internal actor.