Which group is NOT listed among the major insider threats?

• A. Protesters
• B. Subversives
• C. Scientists
• D. Terrorists

Answer: (C)

Insider threats arise from individuals within an organization who abuse their access to cause harm or disrupt operations. In many security risk discussions, the profiles cited as major insider threats are groups like protesters who may disrupt operations, subversives who actively seek to undermine systems, and terrorists who intend to cause harm using insider access. A scientist, while an essential staff member, isn’t paired with a threat profile simply by profession; threat classification looks at motive, opportunity, and capability, not job title alone. Because scientists aren’t typically categorized as a defined insider-threat group in that framework, they aren’t listed among the major insider threats. The other groups fit the pattern of possessing both access and an intent to damage or disrupt.