Final answer:
While both external and internal threats are significant to organizations, internal threats are often more dangerous due to greater access to sensitive information and systems, making them an insidious danger.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing threats to organizations, both external threats from outside actors and internal threats from within the organization are significant; however, internal threats often present a more immediate and insidious danger. The main reason for this is the access to sensitive information and systems that employees, contractors, or other insiders possess. They can cause detrimental impacts due to factors such as personal grievances, financial incentives, or even unintentional errors.
While external actors such as hackers or competitor companies are also a risk, their efforts often require breaching the organization's defenses, which can be more difficult as compared to the exploitation of vulnerabilities from within. Additionally, internal threats can sometimes facilitate external threats, making them even more dangerous. The complexities of modern challenges such as cybersecurity, terrorism, political struggles, and the balance between economic, energy, and environmental security further complicate the threat landscape for organizations, encompassing both internal and external challenges.