By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
Criminologists and police security professionals say people with hidden intentions may sometimes present themselves as highly interested, enthusiastic, or eager to understand an organisation, while their real focus may be gathering information beyond what is necessary for their role.
Experts, however, stated that asking many questions alone does not prove wrongdoing.
The concern arises when questioning is combined with unusual patterns of behaviour, attempts to access restricted information, or efforts to understand an organisation’s vulnerabilities.
When curiosity becomes a security concern
According to security professionals, one of the earliest signs organisations should pay attention to is when an individual consistently seeks information that does not relate to their responsibilities.
Questions that may raise concerns include repeated enquiries about:
- Internal decision-making processes
- Security procedures
- Financial operations
- Private organisational matters
- Weak points within the system
- Personal details about key personnel
Experts added that legitimate employees usually seek knowledge required to perform their duties, while suspicious information gathering often involves collecting details that have no clear connection to a person’s role.
The silent observer
Security analysts describe some potentially risky people as “silent observers”, people who spend more time studying an organization than actively participating in it.
They may:
- Closely watch workplace routines
- Memorise names, roles, and relationships
- Pay attention to confidential discussions
- Observe how decisions are made
A criminology perspective suggests that behaviour, rather than personality, is what security teams should evaluate.
Building relationships for access
Police security experts warn that some spies may attempt to gain trust quickly, especially with people who have influence or access to important information.
They may show unusual interest in:
- Senior officials
- Security personnel
- Individuals with access to sensitive areas
Experts describe this as a possible form of social engineering, where relationships are used to gain information or influence.
The danger of unrestricted access
Security professionals say organisations sometimes expose themselves to risks when they provide access without proper verification.
They recommend:
- Background checks where appropriate
- Clear job responsibilities
- Controlled access to sensitive information
- Confidentiality agreements
- Regular security awareness training
When interest suddenly changes
Another pattern experts examine is when someone’s enthusiasm appears strongest during the period of collecting information but reduces once access or knowledge has been gained.
Security professionals say organisations should monitor unusual changes in behaviour while avoiding unfair assumptions.
Security is everyone’s responsibility
Experts added that protecting an organisation is not about suspecting every new person or treating curiosity as a crime.
Instead, it is about creating systems where information is protected and access is based on trust, verification, and responsibility.