Access controls limit access to information and information processing systems. When implemented effectively, they mitigate the risk of information being accessed without the appropriate authorisation, unlawfully and the risk of a data breach. They apply anywhere access is required to perform a business activity and should be adhered to when accessing information in any format, on any device. Show
In practice it is not uncommon for access to information to be overly restrictive, resulting in information silos. Whilst a focus on security and privacy is obviously needed to protect business information and meet data protection legislation obligations, there must also be a balance with accessibility. Opening up information assets supports collaboration and innovation, and in our experience supports successful eDRMS (electronic document and records management system) projects. To implement an effective access control environment, we recommend the following six areas are given careful consideration: 1. Access Control PrinciplesGuiding principles that provide rules for all implementations of access to networks, systems, information and data. This can include principles relating to:
2. Who determines access?What roles understand and approve access requests? Do you have Information Asset Owners? In practice will they delegate responsibility for determining access to a Line Manager? 3. Who ensures appropriate access is implemented?Is this your helpdesk? Do you have Information Champions who can ensure access is implemented correctly and that it is appropriate? 4. How access will be documentedAccess controls must be documented to provide evidence of the controls implemented. This can be in an Information Asset Register, helpdesk system or even Active Directory 5. How the access controls will be implementedDo you have a Business Classification Scheme or an eDRMS that will support the implementation of access controls? Do your new starter, transfers and leaver processes ensure access is set up, amended or revoked where and when necessary? 6. Periodic audit procedureAccess controls should be audited on a periodic basis to ensure controls align to what is needed and is documented. Would this be done by your helpdesk? Or can Information Champions help with this task? Access controls are an essential part of an information security framework. Reviewing these six areas will give your organisation a solid foundation for controlling user access to information and systems, that meets your legislative, statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements. If you would like to know how to go about articulating access controls in a model or policy, get in touch. Access control is a method of restricting access to sensitive data. Only those that have had their identity verified can access company data through an access control gateway. At a high level, access control is about restricting access to a resource. Any access control system, whether physical or logical, has five main components: Access control can be split into two groups designed to improve physical security or cybersecurity: For example, an organization may employ an electronic control system that relies on user credentials, access card readers, intercom, auditing and reporting to track which employees have access and have accessed a restricted data center. This system may incorporate an access control panel that can restrict entry to individual rooms and buildings, as well as sound alarms, initiate lockdown procedures and prevent unauthorized access. This access control system could authenticate the person's identity with biometrics and check if they are authorized by checking against an access control policy or with a key fob, password or personal identification number (PIN) entered on a keypad. Another access control solution may employ multi factor authentication, an example of a defense in depth security system, where a person is required to know something (a password), be something (biometrics) and have something (a two-factor authentication code from smartphone mobile apps). In general, access control software works by identifying an individual (or computer), verifying they are who they claim to be, authorizing they have the required access level and then storing their actions against a username, IP address or other audit system to help with digital forensics if needed. Why is Access Control Important?Access control minimizes the risk of authorized access to physical and computer systems, forming a foundational part of information security, data security and network security. Depending on your organization, access control may be a regulatory compliance requirement:
What are the Types of Access Control?The main types of access control are:
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