Internal Access to Company Information Could Pose Security Risks

Is Inappropriate Access to Data Compromising Your Business?

Many companies spend money making sure that they protect their business from external intruders and cyber threats but they don’t think of how they might be at risk from within because they fail to adequately monitor access to data and systems by their own employees. Allowing inappropriate access to applications could result in irreversible changes being made by accident. Access to data could compromise the privacy of your business and staff, turning into a problem that could cost your company legal fees, higher insurance premiums and penalties as well as crumbling customer and employee trust.

Security Risks from Access and Permissions

Most software and systems contain predefined roles that provide access levels that allow a user to get their job done. These can be a good starting place and then if situations arise where the user needs more permissions, they can be added. Best practice is to provide the minimum amount of data that is required.

Don’t assume that everyone in a department needs to same access. For example, a staff person working on payroll would not need access to employee performance reviews. An employee working in sales might want to monitor orders entered, but wouldn’t need to view the complete profit and loss statement. Internal access to company information poses a security risk and possibly confidentiality laws when people can see what they don't need to see.

Monitor More Than Employee Entries and Exits

Usually, the time when an employee’s data access is top of mind is when they are starting with a company or leaving the company. When an employee leaves the company, off-boarding should always include removing privileges. This should include any access to outside websites and portals, in addition to internal servers and systems. Establishing a policy for recording outside resources will allow you to close all the doors to business information when employees leave your company.

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Regular review of shared access would help to identify potential gaps in security, especially if the shared users do not share the exact job duties. Periodic reviews of all users and their permissions will enable your company to maintain an internal layer of security that prevents accidents and data thefts from harming your business operations and your reputation.

More IT Risks that Might Threaten Your Business

Your day-to-day business operation depends on technology and while you appreciate its benefits, it comes with major risks. Contact us at info@thriveon.net or 855-767-2571 to schedule a consultation to learn about managed IT services and what they can do to help you to leverage IT as a valuable asset that helps your company grow.