Eccouncil ECSS Exam - Topic 5 Question 108 Discussion

Actual exam question for Eccouncil's ECSS exam

Question #: 108
Topic #: 5

Melissa, an ex-employee of an organization, was fired because of misuse of resources and security violations. She sought revenge against the company and targeted its network, as she is already aware of its network topology.

Which of the following categories of insiders does Melissa belong to?

AMalicious insider

BProfessional insider

CCompromised insider

DNegligent insider

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

Melissa's actions classify her as a malicious insider. This category includes individuals who intentionally misuse access to harm the organization. Her intent to seek revenge and her deliberate targeting of the company's network due to a grudge from being fired are indicative of a malicious insider threat.Reference: This explanation is based on general cybersecurity knowledge and definitions of insider threats. For specific references, please consult the EC-Council Certified Security Specialist (E|CSS) documents and study materials.

by Larae at Jul 12, 2025, 05:44 PM

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Merri

5 months ago

Are we sure she’s not just negligent?

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Stephane

6 months ago

Sounds more like a compromised insider to me.

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Margurite

6 months ago

I agree, she’s clearly out for revenge.

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Sherita

6 months ago

Wow, I didn’t expect that from an ex-employee!

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Annice

6 months ago

Definitely a malicious insider.

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Jannette

6 months ago

I was confused between malicious and negligent insider, but since she intentionally targeted the network, I guess it has to be malicious.

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Dannie

7 months ago

This reminds me of a practice question where we discussed different types of insiders. I feel like malicious insider is the most fitting option for Melissa.

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Princess

7 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I remember something about compromised insiders being those who are manipulated. That doesn’t seem to apply here, right?

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Mirta

7 months ago

I think Melissa definitely fits the category of a malicious insider since she’s seeking revenge and has prior knowledge of the network.

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Charolette

7 months ago

I'm a little confused on the difference between a malicious insider and a compromised insider. Does the fact that Melissa was fired mean she's automatically a malicious insider, or could she still be considered a compromised insider since she has inside knowledge of the network? I'll have to review those definitions again.

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Jenise

7 months ago

Okay, I think I've got it. Melissa was fired for misusing resources and security violations, and she's using her knowledge of the network to target the company, so she's definitely a malicious insider. Option A is the clear choice here.

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Lindsey

8 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure on this one. Melissa was an ex-employee, so she could be a compromised insider, but the question says she's seeking revenge, which makes me think she's a malicious insider. I'll have to think this through a bit more.

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Jillian

8 months ago

This one seems pretty straightforward. Melissa was fired for misusing resources and security violations, and she's targeting the company's network, so I'm going with A - Malicious insider.

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Rebbeca

10 months ago

Negligent insider? Come on, this is clearly a case of a malicious insider. Melissa knew exactly what she was doing. Option A is the way to go.

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Billi

10 months ago

Ha! Melissa's like the ultimate 'revenge of the fired employee' scenario. Option A all the way, no doubt about it.

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Silvana

8 months ago

A) Malicious insider

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Ciara

10 months ago

I agree with Alverta. Melissa's actions clearly show malicious intent towards the organization.

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Alverta

10 months ago

I think Melissa belongs to the category of malicious insider because she is seeking revenge against the company.

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Margurite

10 months ago

I think she's a compromised insider. She's aware of the network topology, which suggests she had legitimate access before, and now she's using that knowledge for malicious purposes. Option C seems like the best fit.

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Geoffrey

8 months ago

B) Professional insider

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Melinda

8 months ago

A) Malicious insider

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In

11 months ago

A) Malicious insider

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Sylvie

11 months ago

Melissa is definitely a malicious insider. She intentionally targeted the company's network to seek revenge after being fired. Option A is the correct answer here.

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