Access, and why you need less of it..
We will cover a couple of points in this post:
- What Do We Mean by ‘Access’?
- A Scenario
- Why Proper Access Management Matters
- How to Stay Secure
TL;DR: You only need access to what helps you do your job right now. More access can be given if/when needed and should be removed immediately after.
What Do We Mean by “Access”?
When we talk about “access” here, we mean the ability to view or interact with data and systems in your company’s IT environment. Access should be limited to only what you need for your job. Too much access increases risk.
Scenario:
Imagine you work at MegaCorp LLC, a large organization with departments like Finance, HR, and Legal, each managing its own stack of data. Over the years, you’ve moved between departments, gaining access to various databases along the way. The problem is, IT never removed your access when you moved departments.
Then, one day, you receive an email from someone who you thought was the CEO. It asks you to click a link and enter your login credentials. The email looks urgent, so you don’t hesitate.
But there’s a catch…
This wasn’t actually from the CEO. It was a phishing attack from someone pretending to be them. You ignore it and move on with your day, but it’s too late. The attacker has your login details and now can access everything you can access.
Since you’ve worked in multiple departments, the attacker now has access to all that data from different departments — jackpot. They even find sensitive data in the Finance department that could make them some $$ on the dark web.
This kind of scenario might sound hypothetical, but it’s surprisingly common in workplaces.
How This Attack Gets Worse
If you had admin privileges in another department that were never removed, the attacker can use that to gain even more control. With admin access, they can potentially create accounts, view sensative data, or grant themselves additional permissions. With enough time, the attacker can explore other departments or even become an admin of another department.
Why Proper Access Management Matters
Proper access management means making sure employees only have access to the systems and data they need to do their jobs — and nothing more. By limiting access, companies reduce the risk of breaches and unauthorized actions. Without proper access management, an organization becomes more vulnerable to attacks, especially if an attacker accesses an employee account. Access management involves regularly updating permissions, removing old accounts, and using security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA). Proper access management protects both employees and the organization by preventing unnecessary exposure and helping contain potential threats.
Key Takeaways and How to Stay Safe
Two things went wrong here:
- You fell for a phishing attack.
- IT never removed your access to departments you no longer work in, making you a high-value target.
How Can We Prevent This?
- Be Cautious with Links and Emails: Verify unexpected emails, especially those requesting logins.
- Ask for Access Only When Needed: Keeping your access limited reduces risk for you and your company.
- Report Suspicious Activity Quickly: If you suspect you’ve been phished, report it right away to avoid further damage.
