Securing Privileged Access: Best Practices for Managing High-Risk Accounts
Privileged accounts are the keys to any organisation’s critical systems, giving users access to sensitive data, administrative controls, and vital infrastructure. It’s no surprise, then, that because of the power of these accounts, they’re among the top targets for hackers and cyber criminals. Just one compromised privileged account could result in catastrophic breaches, leaving businesses with stolen data, damaged reputations, and significant financial losses. It’s vital that you protect these accounts, and in this blog, we’ll explore some of the best ways of securing privileged access – and protecting your digital assets.
Why Criminals Are After Privileged Access
Privileged accounts are a prime target for hackers and cyber criminals. Not only do they give users extensive access, they also give them control over an organisation’s critical systems, data, and infrastructure. These accounts, which are often used by administrators and IT personnel, are effectively the keys to the kingdom. With privileged access, users could modify configurations, access sensitive information, and execute high-level commands. If compromised, attackers can exploit this access to steal data, disrupt operations, or even deploy ransomware. The significance of these privileged accounts makes them a key target of cyber attacks, so robust security measures are needed to protect them. For any business looking to secure their privileged access, we recommend the below practices.
Implement the Principle of Least Privilege
The principle of least privilege is an approach to cyber security that ensures users, systems, and applications are only granted the permissions they need to perform their specific tasks – nothing more, nothing less. By limiting access to only essential resources, businesses reduce their attack surface, making it harder than ever for hackers to exploit unnecessary privileges. For example, an employee working in your marketing department shouldn’t have access to IT infrastructure. Not only would they not need this access, but it could potentially open the door to unauthorised access or data manipulation. This principle also applies to applications and systems, as granting users too much privileges creates vulnerabilities that attackers will exploit if given the chance.
To implement the principle of least privilege, firms should follow key steps such as reviewing and auditing user roles and permissions to ensure they align with their current job functions. Default administrative rights should be removed from any accounts, particularly those not working in IT, to minimise potential risks. Role-based access controls can be used to assign permissions based on specific job responsibilities, ensuring that users only have access to the resources necessary for their tasks. It’s also important that you continuously monitor any changes to privileged accounts, and make sure that permissions are consistent with the user’s role and duties.
Use IAM and PAM Solutions
Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) are essential for any organisation looking to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorised users from accessing their network. By implementing IAM, businesses can enforce strong authentication policies, role-based access control, and centralised identity management, all of which safeguard your digital infrastructure from potential breaches. As cyber threats continue to evolve, securing every access point to your network helps minimise the risk of cyber incidents.
PAM, on the other hand, focuses specifically on controlling and monitoring access to privileged accounts, which would give attackers complete control over a company’s network if compromised. With PAM, however, businesses can enforce stricter access controls, such as just-in-time access and session monitoring, and limit the potential impact of any breach. By combining IAM and PAM, meanwhile, businesses can establish a security framework that reduces the likelihood of unauthorised privileged access while also giving you better visibility and control of high-risk accounts.
Regularly Audit Your Privileged Accounts
Cyber criminals are constantly adapting and there are always new threats to be on the lookout for. Because of this, continuous auditing is essential. This way, you can ensure that your privileged accounts are being used properly and in accordance with security policies. Regular audits also help businesses to identify any vulnerabilities, detect unusual behavior, and ensure that they’re complying with regulations like NIS2, GDPR, and HIPAA. To conduct effective audits, businesses should schedule periodic reviews of privileged accounts to identify dormant or unnecessary ones, and monitor for anomalies such as access attempts during off-hours. At Infosec K2K, we recommend using automated tools to generate detailed reports on privileged access activities.
Foster a Culture of Security
Technology alone isn’t enough to secure privileged access – your employees are essential when it comes to maintaining security. By fostering a security-conscious culture, organisations can reduce the risk of human error and insider threats. This can be achieved by regularly training employees and educating them on the risks associated with privileged accounts, encouraging them to report any suspicious activity, and establishing clear policies for both managing and using privileged accounts. We also advise recognising and rewarding the employees who follow cyber security best practices, as this can further strengthen any organisation’s overall security posture.
Privileged accounts are a high-value target for cybercriminals, and keeping them secure requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. Best practices such as following the principle of least privilege, using IAM and PAM solutions, and regularly auditing any accounts with privileged access, organisations can reduce the risk of breaches. At the same time, a culture of security across your business is also essential. By staying vigilant and using the latest cyber security tools, you can protect your network and your data.
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