#None #geopolitical tensions #Signpost Six #Internal Risk

Growing Internal Security Risks for European Organizations

Recent geopolitical tensions have increased the internal security risks that European organizations face. According to the Insider Trend Report 2026 published by Signpost Six, a staggering 84% of high-risk organizations feel unprepared to detect and manage internal incidents, highlighting a critical vulnerability in their security frameworks.

The Evolution of Insider Threats

The concept of internal risk, which encompasses threats like espionage, sabotage, and strategic manipulation by employees, contractors, or suppliers, has evolved from being merely incidental to a primary concern. This shift occurs in a world where geopolitical conflicts increasingly unfold through economic, technological, and social channels. State actors, criminal networks, and activist movements are increasingly targeting human factor vulnerabilities to destabilize organizations. Collaborating with individuals who have access to sensitive information, decision-making processes, and systems is often more efficient and discreet than traditional means such as cyberattacks.

Dennis Bijker, CEO of Signpost Six, emphasizes the exacerbation of these risks due to various geopolitical developments. One notable trend is the rise of hybrid warfare, wherein nation-states increasingly display their rivalries beyond classical military confrontations. This results in commercial entities, from critical infrastructures to tech firms and logistical hubs, becoming more susceptible to espionage and sabotage activities.

Bijker notes, “State actors and organized criminal networks are increasingly targeting employees within organizations. Their direct access to locations, individuals, and sensitive information makes them attractive and effective targets.” Complicating matters further, state actors are leveraging criminal networks to conduct operations with minimal traceability, placing employees under intense pressure through financial temptations, threats, or blackmail.

Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The globalization of supply chains has also broadened the range of vulnerabilities organizations encounter. Access to essential systems and processes is increasingly reliant on third parties operating under diverse legal and political regimes. Consequently, geopolitical tensions can directly impact daily operations. The current landscape makes it evident that relying solely on technical and physical security measures is no longer sufficient for safeguarding organizational integrity.

Organizational Resilience and Management Accountability

To build resilience, organizations must establish explicit risk responsibilities at the management level and foster close collaboration among various departments, including HR, security, risk management, and legal affairs. The influence of geopolitics is no longer confined to external entities but has infiltrated organizational environments as well. Ignoring these developments risks placing employees in jeopardy of becoming unintentional collateral damage in larger geopolitical conflicts.

In conclusion, the pressing need to reassess internal security frameworks becomes increasingly clear. Organizations must adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, enhancing their preparedness against not only external threats but also the insidious risks that may arise from within.

For more details, read the Insider Trend Report 2026.