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Research-Driven Assessment

About Insider Risk Index

We help organizations understand and improve their insider risk posture through comprehensive assessments, expert insights, and actionable recommendations.

Our Mission

To democratize access to world-class insider threat assessment capabilities, helping organizations of all sizes build more secure and resilient environments.

Security First

Built by security professionals for security professionals

Accessible

Free assessments available to organizations of all sizes

Practical

Actionable recommendations that drive real improvements

Evidence-Based

Grounded in research and validated by industry data

Assessment Methodology

Our 5-pillar framework is validated by real-world data from the Ponemon Institute, Verizon DBIR, and enhanced with threat intelligence from the ForScie Insider Threat Matrix.

5-Pillar Framework

Industry-validated weightings based on cost impact analysis

Visibility

25%

Monitoring & Detection Capabilities

Coaching

25%

Prevention & Training Programs

Evidence

20%

Investigation & Response

Identity

15%

Access Controls & SaaS

Phishing

15%

Social Engineering Defense

Research-Based

Built on analysis from Ponemon Institute 2025 ($17.4M cost study), Gartner Market Guide G00805757 (48% attack increase), and Verizon DBIR 2024 (68% breaches involve human element).

Expert Validation

Methodology validated against ForScie Insider Threat Matrix community research covering 50+ documented attack techniques and patterns.

Data-Driven

Framework weights derived from economic impact analysis: visibility and prevention (25% each), investigation (20%), identity and phishing defense (15% each).

Industry Benchmarks

Industry benchmarks derived from Ponemon Institute research across financial services ($758K avg incident cost), healthcare (70% internal breaches), and other industries.

Our Principles

The values that guide everything we do

Privacy First

Your data is encrypted and never shared. We collect only what's necessary for benchmarking.

Actionable Results

Every assessment provides specific, prioritized recommendations you can implement.

Practical Focus

We focus on realistic, cost-effective solutions that work in real organizational environments.

Continuous Improvement

Our methodology evolves based on new threats, technologies, and industry feedback.

Research Foundation

Our assessments are grounded in the latest industry research and threat intelligence

Ponemon Institute 2025

Global Cost of Insider Threats study provides the economic foundation for our pillar weightings

$17.4M
Average annual cost per organization

Verizon DBIR 2024

Data Breach Investigations Report informs our understanding of insider threat patterns

68%
Breaches involve human element

ForScie Matrix

Community-driven threat intelligence enhances our recommendations with real-world techniques

50+
Insider threat techniques cataloged

All research is properly attributed and cited in our methodology documentation

Explore the Insider Threat Matrix →

Research Foundation

Built on authoritative security research and community-driven threat intelligence

Research-Based Methodology

Security Community Driven

Assessment framework developed from analysis of authoritative security research and industry incident data

This assessment framework synthesizes insights from multiple authoritative sources rather than proprietary research. All data sources are properly attributed and citations are provided throughout the platform.

• Ponemon Institute 2025• Gartner Market Guide G00805757• Verizon DBIR 2024• ForScie Matrix Community

Research Support

The Insider Risk Index research and assessment platform is sponsored by Above Security, a leader in insider threat protection solutions.

Above Security

Above Security provides comprehensive insider threat protection solutions, helping organizations detect, investigate, and respond to insider risks. Their support enables us to maintain this free assessment platform and contribute valuable research to the security community.

This sponsorship enables independent research while maintaining the objectivity and accuracy of our assessment methodology.

Ready to Get Started?

Take your first step toward better insider risk management