Is Low Self-Control a Threat to Security?

Researchers are using brain imaging to help companies determine which employees could pose a cybersecurity risk.

"A questionnaire measuring impulsivity for individuals in critical positions may be one of the screening mechanisms businesses could use," says Laura Smarandescu. Tungphoto/Shutterstock*

Researchers are using brain imaging to help companies determine which employees could pose a cybersecurity risk.

To do that, they measured brain activity to identify what might motivate an employee to violate company policy and sell or trade sensitive information. The study found that self-control is a significant factor.

Researchers defined a security violation as any unauthorized access to confidential data, which could include copying, transferring, or selling that information to a third party for personal gains.

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