Which of the following would typically be classified as internal threat communities?

The classification of internal threat communities primarily focuses on groups that have legitimate access to an organization's resources and can pose threats from within. Typically, this would include individuals or groups like employees and contractors who are part of the organizational framework and possess knowledge or access that could facilitate a potential risk.

In the correct answer, the reference to contractors and employees is key. Both groups are considered internal because they usually have authorized access to systems and information. While partners might occasionally be included depending on their relationship with the organization, they are typically treated as external rather than internal threats unless there’s a deep integration into the internal operational environment.

This makes the choice of contractors and employees particularly relevant when identifying those who might exploit their access for malicious purposes or cause unintentional damage due to negligence. Recognizing these groups allows organizations to better focus their security efforts and risk management strategies on the individuals who are most likely to operate within their networks.

The other options include groups like cyber-criminals who are typically seen as external threats and malware, which is a tool rather than a community of individuals. Thus, they do not fit into the category of internal threat communities as defined within the context of internal security and risk management.