Which type of bias can cause people to only seek evidence that supports their preconceived notions?

Confirmation bias is the tendency for individuals to seek out, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. This type of bias leads people to focus on evidence that supports their existing views while disregarding or minimizing information that contradicts those views. In the context of insider threats and risk management, confirmation bias can significantly impact decision-making and threat assessment, as individuals may overlook crucial red flags or alternative explanations that do not align with their assumptions.

Understanding confirmation bias is essential for professionals in counter-insider threat roles, as it can influence how incidents are assessed and how preventive measures are implemented. Recognizing this bias allows individuals and organizations to take deliberate steps to seek diverse perspectives and consider a wide range of evidence before reaching conclusions, thus enhancing their ability to detect and mitigate insider threats effectively.