The disconnect between cyber security awareness and insider threat risk, and the differences in generational cyber security awareness within the workplace, are the focus of a new study from ObserveIT. For the Multigenerational Workforce and Insider Threat Risk study, ObserveIT surveyed more than 1,000 full-time employees ages 18-65+ at organizations with more than 500 employees on their understanding and awareness of cyber security programs. The majority (65 percent) of respondents reported they understand the definition of an insider threat.

The survey found that 64 percent of respondents agree careless employees or contractors are the most common cause of insider threats. This directly correlates with recent data from the Ponemon Institute showing negligent insider actions caused 64 percent of all insider threat incidents in the past 12 months.