When Insider Threats Strike: A Deep Dive with ShieldCRS
A recent MSP Chat podcast episode shed light on one of cybersecurity’s most pressing yet overlooked challenges: insider threats. Rob Sims, CTO and co-founder of Alchemi Data Management, joined hosts Rich Freeman and Eric Simpson to discuss how ShieldCRS is revolutionizing the approach to insider threat protection.
The Changing Face of Data Security
The conversation kicked off with a startling revelation: while cybersecurity spending is projected to reach $97.5 billion worldwide, data security remains surprisingly underinvested. This gap becomes particularly concerning when considering that 83% of organizations experienced at least one insider attack in the past year.
“Insider threats are inevitable,” Sims emphasized during the discussion. “It’s not about if they’ll occur, but when – and how prepared you are to respond.”
Redefining Ransomware as an Insider Threat
One of the most compelling insights from the discussion was ShieldCRS’s unique perspective on ransomware. While traditionally viewed as an external threat, Sims explained that ransomware actually operates as an insider threat: “From a data layer perspective, ransomware takes over a legitimate user’s account and accesses content just like any other user would.”
The Data Layer Difference
What sets ShieldCRS apart is its network-based approach to protection. Unlike traditional agent-based solutions that run on individual clients, ShieldCRS operates at the network level, functioning as a router between clients and file systems. This positioning enables:
- Real-time monitoring of user behavior
- Precise threat isolation without disrupting other users
- Immediate file protection before changes occur
- Seamless recovery without backup system limitations
The Before Change Protection Revolution
Perhaps the most innovative aspect discussed was ShieldCRS’s Before Change Protection (BCP) feature. “Traditional backup systems leave gaps in protection,” Sims explained. “Our approach protects files before any changes occur, ensuring zero gaps in recovery capability.”
Real-World Impact
The discussion highlighted how organizations across industries are using ShieldCRS to:
- Detect potential insider threats in real-time
- Isolate compromised accounts without disrupting operations
- Recover files instantly to their pre-incident state
- Protect intellectual property from unauthorized access or exfiltration
Looking to the Future
The conversation concluded with hints at upcoming innovations, including enhanced image protection capabilities, demonstrating ShieldCRS’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving insider threats.
Key Takeaway
The podcast underscored a crucial message: effective insider threat protection starts at the data layer. As organizations continue to face increasingly sophisticated threats from within, solutions like ShieldCRS offer a proactive approach to security that goes beyond traditional perimeter defenses.
For MSPs and organizations looking to enhance their security posture against insider threats, the full podcast offers valuable insights into how ShieldCRS is transforming vulnerability into resilience.