Ideology

A subject is motivated by political, philosophical, religious, social, or other ideological beliefs to engage in an infringement against an organization. Such infringements may include unauthorized access, data exfiltration, destruction of information, sabotage, or violations of organizational policy undertaken to advance, defend, or draw attention to a particular cause or belief system.

Ideological motivation arises when a subject's beliefs influence their decision to act against the interests or established rules of an organization. The subject may perceive their actions as morally justified, necessary, or consistent with a broader political, philosophical, or social objective, even where those actions result in organizational harm.

During an investigation, ideological motivation should be established through evidence linking the subject's expressed objectives or beliefs to the infringement. The possession or expression of ideological beliefs alone does not establish malicious intent or constitute evidence of an insider threat.