What does 'insider threat' mean within the context of nuclear security?

The term 'insider threat' in the context of nuclear security refers to risks that originate from individuals within a nuclear facility. These insiders can be employees or contractors who have authorized access to the facility, and they may intentionally or unintentionally cause harm or pose a risk to nuclear security. This can include actions such as sabotage, theft of nuclear materials, or providing sensitive information to unauthorized entities. Understanding this concept is essential for maintaining robust security protocols, as insider threats can be more challenging to identify and mitigate compared to external threats. By focusing specifically on individuals with access to critical systems and sensitive information, nuclear security measures can be better designed to prevent and respond to potential risks from within the organization.