Network Defense Essentials (NDE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term that accurately describes former employees who may intentionally harm system components is insider threats. Insider threats refer to individuals within an organization, such as former employees, who have inside information concerning the organization's security practices, data, and computer systems. These individuals might take advantage of their knowledge and access to cause harm deliberately or engage in malicious activities against the organization after they leave.

In the context of cybersecurity, understanding insider threats is crucial because their previous access allows them the capability to exploit vulnerabilities or sabotage systems in ways that external attackers may find more challenging to accomplish. This can involve actions such as data theft, system misuse, or even damaging infrastructure.

The other options do not encapsulate the idea of former employees specifically harming the organization as insider threats do. Vandalism typically refers to the act of deliberately destroying or damaging property but doesn't specifically tie to the intentions of former employees. Sabotage refers to actions taken to disrupt or destroy systems but is broader and not limited to individuals who are familiar with the internal workings of an organization. Organizational negligence generally pertains to a failure to maintain proper procedures and standards within the organization, rather than actions taken by individuals.