Microsoft has claimed that the amount and incidence of attacks on network infrastructures by both current and former employees is rising. Microsoft are warning companies to be vigilant in the current economic climate where displeased staff seek revenge on their company by creating damage to their network and IT systems.

Ex-employees who often hold sensitive access details have been seen to use this privilege data to gain admission to systems with the sole motive of revenge felt by vandalizing the company website, server data and individual user accounts. Often innocent and naive staff can also be guilty of unknowingly aiding 'the insider' by not following simple guidelines and unwittingly sharing passwords.

A survey across several industry sectors suggest that 18% of malicious attacks can be attributed to insiders trying to get back at the company they work for or once worked for. The whereabouts of the most sensitive data can be quickly accessed by 'the insider' and wired out of the building and sold to a competitor within minutes allowing the rival business to  contact your suppliers and your customers.