#None #geopolitical tensions #European Organizations #Internal Security

Rising Internal Security Risks Amid Geopolitical Strains

Recent geopolitical developments have significantly impacted the internal security landscape for European organizations. According to a report published by Signpost Six, a firm specializing in risk management, a staggering 84% of European organizations exposed to high levels of risk believe they are ill-equipped to detect and manage internal incidents. This concerning trend sheds light on the growing vulnerability of organizations in a world where conflicts are increasingly waged through economic, technological, and social channels.

Understanding Internal Risks

Internal risks, which encompass threats such as espionage, sabotage, or strategic influence from employees, subcontractors, or suppliers, have transitioned from peripheral concerns to fundamental vulnerabilities. With state actors, criminal networks, and militant movements increasingly targeting the human factor, organizations have had to adapt to a landscape where insiders pose significant risks. Collaborating with individuals who already possess access to sensitive information and decision-making processes often proves more effective and less detectable than traditional cyberattacks or physical sabotage.

Drivers of Increased Vulnerability

The report outlines several geopolitical evolutions that are amplifying internal risk levels. A notable mention is the rise of hybrid warfare – a situation where nation-states engage in rivalry outside conventional military frameworks. This has led to an uptick in espionage and sabotage targeting commercial organizations, especially those involved in critical infrastructure, technology, and logistics.

Dennis Bijker, the CEO of Signpost Six, highlights that insiders with direct access to sensitive locations, individuals, and information have become prime targets for both state and organized crime actors. These insiders face increasing amounts of pressure, including financial temptations, threats, and blackmail, rendering them vulnerable to manipulation.

Furthermore, the globalization of supply chains has heightened organizational vulnerabilities. Crucial systems and processes are increasingly handed over to third parties operating under diverse legal and political regimes. This dynamic means that geopolitical tensions can have immediate repercussions on daily operations, underscoring the inadequate safeguards many organizations currently have in place.

A Call for Enhanced Organizational Resilience

The situation emphasizes that relying solely on technical and physical security measures is no longer sufficient. Achieving organizational resilience requires a proactive and explicit understanding of risks at the management level, alongside intensive collaboration across human resources, security, risk management, and legal departments.

Geopolitical influences are no longer exclusively external; they infiltrate the very walls of organizations. Organizations must recognize that internal staff members could inadvertently become targets if these dynamics are ignored. Ensuring that employees are aware of the organizational risks and the potential for exploitation is paramount.

In conclusion, the findings from the Signpost Six report serve as a clarion call for European organizations. In an era of escalating geopolitical tensions, enhancing internal security must be prioritized. Failing to address these vulnerabilities poses significant risks, not only to organizational integrity but also to broader security frameworks across Europe.

For further details, refer to the full report: Insider Trend Report 2026 - Signpost Six.