Explain the term 'malicious insider'.

The term "malicious insider" refers to an employee or contractor who intentionally uses their authorized access to the organization's systems and data to cause harm. This can manifest in various ways, such as stealing sensitive information, sabotaging systems, or engaging in fraudulent activities. The key aspect that defines a malicious insider is the intent to exploit their position within the organization to inflict damage or gain unauthorized benefits.

In the context of cybersecurity, recognizing and mitigating the risks posed by malicious insiders is crucial since they often have insider knowledge and access that can make their actions particularly damaging. This makes it vital for organizations to implement stringent access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect any unusual behavior by individuals with insider access.