Which scenarios illustrate internal threats to cybersecurity?

An attack by an authorized user best illustrates an internal threat to cybersecurity because it involves someone who has legitimate access to the organization's systems and data. Internal threats come from individuals within the organization, such as employees, contractors, or business partners, who may misuse their access intentionally or unintentionally.

When an authorized user engages in malicious activities, it raises significant concerns since they are familiar with the organization's systems, protocols, and security measures. This insider knowledge often makes it easier for them to perpetrate attacks, evade detection, and cause substantial harm. Internal threats can manifest in various forms, including data breaches, theft of intellectual property, or sabotage of systems.

The other scenarios, while they may involve data loss or security issues, do not fit the traditional definition of internal threats. A company losing data due to a system upgrade may result from poor planning or technical errors rather than malicious intent. Meanwhile, deliberate attempts to steal sensitive information and accidental deletions may involve external actors or unintentional incidents by users but do not specifically reflect the context of insider threats that authorized users present. Therefore, the scenario involving an attack by an authorized user is the most fitting representation of internal threats to cybersecurity.