Your business is likely to have sensitive information that should be restricted from unauthorized users. Failure to manage access could lead to a catastrophic compromise of these precious assets. Access control is a concept that is intended to act as a gatekeeper and define the parameters for handling sensitive materials. However, as organizations grow and change, the previous data handling practices may not be appropriate or permissible. This is often the case when sensitive information being released to unauthorized users, whether within the organization or out of the organization.
Inadequate controls can also cause the loss of data belonging to a first entity, such as employee and customer information. A breach of this type could expose your organization’s data to costly penalties from regulators and lawsuits. It could also undermine the trust of your clients and customers.
The management of access is both an organizational as well as technical process, and achieving controlled access to confidential data requires the proper balance of policies, processes, and technologies. They are crucial to ensure that your business adheres to industry standards and regulations while ensuring that it is agile in its business and keeps client and customer confidence.
For instance, you must ensure that your physical security protocols are strong and effective and require all employees to keep paper documents, thumb drives and backups containing personal data in locked cabinets. They should also inform anyone who enters your facility to the security team. It is also essential to establish a «need-to-know» for access to all. This requires employees to use passwords, two-factor authentication, and to review their privileges regularly.