Unauthorized Disclosure for DoD and Industry SPeD Practice Exam

A key warning sign of potential insider threats is indeed sudden changes in an employee's performance. These changes can manifest as a decline in productivity, withdrawal from team activities, or noticeable alterations in behavior or attitude. Such shifts may indicate that an employee is experiencing stress, dissatisfaction, or other issues that could lead to malicious actions or disclosures of sensitive information.

This insight is particularly critical because insider threats are often challenging to detect. Employees who were once engaged and performing well may become a risk when they begin displaying signs of distress or disengagement. They may feel overlooked, undervalued, or may even be motivated by personal grievances, which can lead them to compromise organizational security.

The other options, while they may provide insights into employee behavior, do not necessarily signal an imminent risk. Strict adherence to company policies generally reflects a responsible employee, not a threat. A willingness to share information with all colleagues can indicate good teamwork and openness, which are beneficial traits in a collaborative environment. Lastly, positive feedback from peers suggests healthy relationships and performance, which does not correlate with insider threat behaviors. Thus, recognizing sudden changes in performance is crucial for identifying potential vulnerabilities within the organization.