#1670 · AI & Technology Tool

Insider Threat Downtime Cost Calculator

Estimate insider threat downtime cost using operational inputs you can adjust for your organization. The calculator separates the main estimate from its key cost, frequency, or timing components so security and finance teams can review assumptions, compare scenarios, and document a planning baseline. Results are estimates and should be supplemented with incident history, vendor terms, and current control evidence.

Calculator

Scenario inputs
people
People unable to work normally.
hours
Productivity interruption per affected employee.
USD/hr
Wage, benefits, and overhead per hour.
%
Share of affected labor time lost.
USD
Forensics, remediation, contractors, and overtime.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter values that match the same scenario and time period.
  2. Use realistic net costs and recoveries rather than maximum headline figures.
  3. Select Calculate to update the estimate.
  4. Change one uncertain assumption at a time to compare scenarios.

Formula

Lost productivity cost = affected employees × hours × loaded hourly cost × productivity loss rate. Total downtime cost = lost productivity cost + response and restoration cost.

What the result means

The main result expresses the modeled scenario in the unit shown. Secondary results expose the components that drive it, making assumptions easier to review and revise.

Security incident estimates are uncertain. This tool is for planning and comparison and is not legal, insurance, audit, or financial advice.

Example calculation

For 120 employees, 10 hours, $55/hour, 70% productivity loss, and $65,000 response cost: lost productivity is $46,200 and total downtime cost is $111,200.

Tips for better results

  • Use internal incident and uptime records where available.
  • Separate revenue from contribution or economic loss.
  • Document the source and date of every assumption.
  • Run low, expected, and high scenarios.
  • Review insurance exclusions and deductibles.

Frequently asked questions

Which inputs have the greatest effect on this insider threat downtime cost calculator?

The largest monetary, probability, frequency, or duration input usually has the greatest effect. Change one value at a time to test sensitivity.

Can I use zero for an input in the Insider Threat Downtime Cost Calculator?

Yes, where zero reflects the scenario. Inputs used as divisors must remain above zero, and the calculator will show an error when required.

Does this insider threat estimate predict an actual incident?

No. It is a scenario-based planning estimate, not a forecast of exactly when or how an incident will occur.

Should insurance recoveries be entered at policy limits?

Use the realistically collectible share after exclusions, deductibles, waiting periods, and coverage limits rather than the headline policy limit.

How should I compare alternative security controls?

Keep baseline assumptions consistent, change only the control-related inputs, and compare the resulting exposure, cost, time, or ROI.

Inputs and units

InputUnitRole
Affected employeespeoplePeople unable to work normally.
Disruption durationhoursProductivity interruption per affected employee.
Loaded labor costUSD/hrWage, benefits, and overhead per hour.
Productivity loss during disruption%Share of affected labor time lost.
Response and restoration costUSDForensics, remediation, contractors, and overtime.

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