Final answer:
An individual trying to access sensitive information without the proper clearance is exhibiting signs of an insider threat, which refers to a security risk from within an organization, as opposed to whistleblowing, ethics, or compliance activities. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
An individual who has attempted to access sensitive information without a need-to-know and has made unusual requests for sensitive information is displaying indicators of an insider threat. An insider threat is a security risk that comes from within an organization; this could be any person who has inside information concerning the organization's security practices, data, and computer systems.
The term does not typically refer to whistleblowing, which is the act of exposing wrongdoing within an organization. Whistleblowing is often done to inform the public or authorities about unethical or illegal activities within a company or government.
Security compliance, meanwhile, refers to adherence to laws or regulations regarding the protection and privacy of information. Ethical behavior is the conduct that is in line with accepted moral norms and value systems. In this case, the behavior described suggests a possible violation of ethical and security standards, which is in line with the characteristics of an insider threat.