What if the greatest threat to your organization wasn’t outside its walls, but already inside?
In this gripping episode, we sit down with Gina Bennett, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) counterterrorism analyst whose career includes tracking Osama Bin Laden’s network long before 9/11. Together, we peel back the layers of Insider Risk Management, exposing why it’s not just a government or defense problem anymore, it’s a critical threat across law enforcement, casinos, healthcare, tech startups, and beyond.
Gina shares raw insights on why insider threats are often rooted not in ideology or greed, but in something far simpler—and far more dangerous: a lack of belonging. She reveals how organizations can build cultures that actively disarm insider threats before they ever take root.
We dive deep into the psychology of betrayal, explore how espionage, counterterrorism, and insider risks intertwine, and hear firsthand stories from high-stakes operations that shaped global history. Gina also introduces her groundbreaking Hunter-Gatherer Security Theory, reshaping how we think about human security, cohesion, and resilience in a fractured world.
Whether you’re a national security professional, a startup founder, or simply curious about what makes spies and traitors tick, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.
Questions covered in this episode:
- You have worked on high-profile cases like the surveillance of Osama Bin Laden, so can you tell us about Bin Laden’s emotional trigger points and Al-Qaeda in general?
- In your article, you introduce a concept that diverges from the traditional Realist paradigm. Can you unpack the Hunter-Gatherer Security theory for our listeners and how it reorients how we think about threats and cohesion?
- You’ve spent decades in counterterrorism—how does that world intersect with Insider Risk? Are these threats two sides of the same coin in national security?
- From your perspective, how does espionage complicate Insider Risk and counterterrorism strategies? Can you share an example where all three intersected in your experience?
- Without disclosing sensitive details, are there any case studies — perhaps from your time at the CIA — that highlight the devastating or enlightening impact of insider threats?
- Startups often move fast, with fluid teams and high-stakes IP. What are the unique Insider Risk challenges for emerging companies, and what advice would you give founders navigating these waters?
About Access Hub’s B2B Online Marketplace:
Access Hub’s online marketplace is the world’s only B2B online marketplace, designed to seamlessly connect suppliers and buyers across six pivotal industries: Aviation & Aerospace, Climate Tech, Defense, Maritime, Media & Broadcasting, and Space Technology. We are transforming how businesses discover opportunities and establish partnerships in both Upstream and Downstream markets.
Leverage Access Hub‘s platform to elevate your business, connect with potential clients, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech industries. Explore the opportunities that await and position your company for success in the global marketplace.
Discussion about this post