Access controls are a crucial line of defense in cybersecurity, safeguarding the perimeter of your network systems. Without them, your IT resources are vulnerable to hackers and unauthorized access. Below, we outline the fundamentals of this security measure, its various types, and best practices for implementing it in your organization.
What is access control?
Access control is the process of determining who has access to certain resources in your company’s IT systems. It involves establishing proper security defenses — such as passwords, biometric scans, and security tokens — to verify a user or entity. After authentication, access controls permit the appropriate level of access, ensuring that users view or manage only the specific data they need.
There are various types of access controls, including, but not limited to:
- Directionary access control (DAC), which allows users to set rules on who can decide to access certain resources. Authorized users can also grant access to other users as necessary.
- Role-based access control (RBAC), which assigns access permissions according to an individual’s role in the company. This ensures that they’re granted access only to the resources necessary for their specific job activities.
- Mandatory access control (MAC), which enables strict access policies determined by the administrator. Authorized users cannot revoke or configure these permissions.
- Attribute-based access control (ABAC), which considers multiple factors, such as user location, time of access, and the type of resource being accessed before granting permission.
How do you implement access control?
For all the different types and variations of access controls, their implementation tends to follow the same process.
Define your policies
Your first step to establishing effective access controls is to define clear and consistent security policies. It may help to discuss with stakeholders to identify the risks, vulnerabilities, and reasons for implementing such protocols within your organization. This should help you determine what needs protection (i.e., sensitive data, critical systems, secure building areas) and the specific roles or users who need access to such resources.
Once identified, you can then establish the conditions for when access is granted, which could include specifying the times and locations from which user access is permitted, along with any additional verification steps that may be required.
Use strong authentication methods
The next step is selecting the security solutions that best fit your business needs. While single-layer access controls such as passwords and biometric sensors are effective, consider implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) as well. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain entry (such as both a passcode and a fingerprint scan), making it much harder for unverified users to access your systems.
Additionally, be sure to educate your employees on cybersecurity best practices. These could range from simply avoiding sharing their personal credentials to investing in training that helps them recognize common hacking or phishing attempts online. Users could then understand the importance of cybersecurity within the workplace, encouraging them to do their part in keeping your systems safe.
Regularly review and update controls
Access controls, just like all other aspects of security, should never be a “set and forget” approach. Once you’ve invested in the right access controls, it pays to conduct periodic audits of your current user permissions. Organizational needs can change over time, along with the roles and responsibilities of employees. Ensuring regular reviews keeps you updated on who has access to what, why they do, and whether it is still necessary. It’s not unheard of for former employees to still have access after leaving the organization.
This process also allows you to adapt to new and emerging cyberthreats. You may find that your authentication methods are outdated or that your policies don’t address newly identified risks. Keeping tabs on the current state of your workplace security can help you adjust as necessary.
Leverage the latest tools and technologies
Lastly, it helps to keep your controls updated with the latest tools and software. This ensures enhanced security for fending off the latest threats and may offer ways of improving the efficiency of your protocols. For example, you may find tools that automate access management processes, helping reduce the risk of human error. With software that automatically grants or modifies access based on your predefined policies, it would also be easier to maintain accurate and up-to-date permissions.
The use of smart buildings, which comprise advanced IT systems that automate functions such as lighting, energy, and access controls, has also picked up steam in recent years. Investments in such innovations ensure the utmost safety of your resources while freeing up manpower by leaving the heavy lifting to automation and artificial intelligence.
Data protection starts with the proper security framework. At SpectrumWise, we can guide you through all the tools, technologies, and policies you need through our 7 Layers of Security package — an all-in-one security solution that grants you holistic protection from the latest cyberthreats. Keep your IT systems safe — schedule a consultation with the SpectrumWise team today.
