Every business with more than one member of staff needs to consider the access security processes in place and revise them.
Benefits of Access Management
Limiting the access, a user has to the IT systems has a number of benefits to the business as well as to the individual user which include:
- Security – Often when a device is hit by malware or ransomware it can only infiltrate parts of the system the entry device has access to. Although this could be enough to cause havoc within the business, it could be a lot worse if every user had access to everything including back up systems, finance and door security control systems. By ensuring users only have access to the applications and systems required to do their job can reduce the impact of a cyber-attack.
- More robust security profiles – Access Management means the IT department can make access to particular systems or files extra secure with multi-factor authentication or alternatively can also make some applications auto-sign-in. Every system and every user is as secure as it needs to be.
- Increase productivity – If users only have access to what they need to complete their jobs there are potentially less applications and files clogging up their device and potentially slowing it down. Additionally, refusing access to certain websites ensures that employees are working when they are on company time.
- Protection from accidental errors – If everyone had access to all systems within a network there is an increased likelihood of changes being made to key files, or files being moved or deleted in error. Trying to identify what has happened with a file when there are only limited users is quicker, more efficient and more cost effective. This will end up saving the IT helpdesk time, and therefore the company money in having to troubleshoot such errors.
There are three types of access control which can be implemented within your business IT systems, depending on the level of security required and the business itself.
- Discretionary Access Control (DAC) – This is based on a series of rights created by the IT or management team which specifies what access is required and to which users. This could mean that a user has Read Only access to a certain file with no permission to edit, download or copy it.
- Role Based Access Control (RBAC) – This is more of a blanket control based on roles within the organisation rather then assigning rights for every single user individually. This incorporates the principle of least privilege, meaning users have the bare minimum required to actually do their jobs. This can include having blanket bans on certain staff grades from being able to download software to their devices or even access to websites which can affect their productivity.
- Mandatory Access Control (MAC) – This is the strictest of all controls and is often used in government settings. There are three Integrity Level settings applied to applications and data (high, medium and low) as well as categories assigned to them which could be projects or roles. Each user is given the appropriate access for the projects they are working on at any one time. Changes cannot be made by users to files which have a higher Integrity Level than they possess.
If, as a small business you don’t have an in-house IT system you can always get in touch with SupportWise and we will be happy to advise you on the best Access Control Management process for your business. Just give us a ring, email in or DM us on our social media's.