User Access and Data Security - Finding the Right Balance

Effective user access management (UAM) helps to ensure the right people have the right access to the right resources for the right reasons. Assessing UAM to make sure it is up-to-date and correct is an important part of an organizations overall data security measures, put in place to protect sensitive and confidential information.

But how do you find the equilibrium between facilitating functional access for users and safeguarding your data?

Understanding User Access and Its Management

What Is User Access Management?

UAM is a vital element of information security regulating who is able to interact with your data and systems. It involves granting authorized users the right to use a service while preventing access to unauthorized users. And there are generally a couple of ways to apply those controls.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) vs. Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a method of restricting network access based on the roles of individual users within an enterprise. Think accounting users in the accounting department get the accounting folder, while salespeople or front-end staff do not. RBAC is a simple way to define and maintain at least a baseline level of security.
• Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) is more granular than RBAC, granting access to users based on various (what else?) attributes. These attributes could be time of day, user location, company-owned devices, and many other factors, which offers more dynamic and context-aware access controls.

The Necessity of Data Security

With ongoing cyberattacks and increasing regulations, data security is critical for every business, big or small. Organizations need to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data.

1. Data At Rest - secure data that resides in databases, files, and storage. This protects against data breaches if physical media is lost or stolen.
2. Data In Transit - SSL/TLS protocols encrypt data while it's moving from one location to another over the internet. When properly implemented, encrypted data is indecipherable to all but the intended recipient.
3. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) - protect against insider threats and external breaches, DLP tools monitor and control the transfer of sensitive data. DLP strategies include policy enforcement, user education, and ongoing monitoring.

Balancing Act - Increasing Security without Inhibiting Access

Conduct Regular Access Reviews

Organizations change, and so do the privileges your users need. Regular access reviews ensure that these privileges are aligned with current needs and not left to accumulate over time, leading to 'privilege creep.'

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to present two or more pieces of evidence (factors) before gaining access. This typically includes a combination of something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a security token), or something the user is (like a fingerprint).

Start With Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC)

RBAC makes it simple to manage accessibility and security. Assign user roles with specific permissions, then as you grow start to supplement with ABAC for more granularity while keeping implementation intuitive and efficient.

Educate Users on Security Best Practices

Regular training and awareness programs can empower users to be more conscious and proactive in safeguarding sensitive information.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Striking the balance between user access and data security is not a one-time task; it's a continuous process of improvement and adaptation. By adopting these strategies, enterprises can transform security challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.