Access control involves confirming a person’s identity or credentials before granting them permissions they require to access specific resources. This is an important aspect of security, whether the assets are physical or the assets are logical.
Many access control systems have photo identification for added security. The cards are scanned and presented to the reader, that then sends an request to unlock to the system’s control panel. The panel reviews the credential and determines whether it is valid. The panel then allows or denies entry to the door. The system also offers real-time traffic reports as well as other information to monitor the flow of people within the facility.
Role-based access control (RBAC) provides some flexibility, however administrators can add specific controls that take into the factors of location, device types and other aspects. These controls are used within the IAM frameworks.
It is crucial to check and align the access control policies regularly with current roles and responsibilities. This reduces risk and ensures the principle of least privilege is observed. It is also important to regularly audit access logs and look for suspicious activities.
Further resilience can be achieved by implementing strong password policies, that require multi-factor authentication, and offering training on safe remote working and the proper use of passwords. Automating user provisioning and deprovisioning facilitates adding and removing access for users, which reduces human error and reduces the risk of data security breaches. Regularly reviewing and updating user profiles will help to minimize the impact of new hires as well as staff turnover.
