
Why Removing Local Admin Rights Is Key to Strengthening Your Cyber Security
The principle of least privilege has become a cornerstone of cyber security in recent years, and one of the key ways that organisations protect their assets from online threats. Despite this, and despite the risks associated with local admin rights, many businesses haven’t eliminated local admin rights completely. A recent whitepaper from our partners at CyberArk looks into why no user in your organisation should have local admin rights – read on as we explain why today’s businesses should be reassessing their approach to user permissions.
The Risks of Local Admin Rights
Local admin rights give users unparalleled control over their systems. With local admin rights, a user can do everything from accessing every user’s data to installing software. Although this may seem useful at first, it unfortunately raises a whole host of potential vulnerabilities. With the help of these privileges, users could disable security measures if they wanted to, paving the way for malware or data breaches. Their ability to install software, change network settings, and access other users’ credentials could give malicious actors plenty of opportunities to exploit any weaknesses.
The whitepaper from CyberArk goes into more detail, exploring scenarios where unrestricted admin rights don’t just allow unauthorised access, but also help criminals steal sensitive data and manipulate security protocols. Clearly, local admin rights are a double-edged sword. Although they help security professionals to be more productive and efficient, they also expose businesses to substantial cyber security risks at the same time.
Implementing Least Privilege Access
Essentially, the concept of least privilege access restricts user permissions, meaning they can only access files that are necessary for their specific roles and responsibilities. By removing local admin rights for every employee, organisations could significantly reduce the threat surface available to potential attackers. This approach would ensure that users can operate within clearly defined boundaries, minimising the impact of malicious actions (whether accidental or intentional) on the security of their data.
Some people might argue that revoking local admin rights could hinder the operational efficiency of their business – particularly for roles like helpdesk staff, developers, or system administrators. These roles often require elevated privileges to perform their duties effectively. However, CyberArk’s whitepaper argues that they don’t need local admin rights, and that these privileges are frequently unnecessary for routine tasks. Instead, adopting role-specific access controls would allow organisations to tailor permissions precisely to user needs without needing to compromise on security.
Practical Steps Toward Enhanced Security
Transitioning away from widespread local admin rights and enforcing the principle of least privilege requires a careful and strategic approach. One key step would be implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). This defines users’ permission levels, and tailors them to their specific job functions. It would ensure that only the designated employees tasked with system configuration and maintenance are granted administrative privileges. Security protocols should also be standardised across all endpoints, removing local admin rights and reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
Equally important is cultivating a security-conscious culture across your company – either through user education or continuous monitoring of your network. Educating employees about the dangers of unrestricted administrative access and encouraging them to follow security policies can promote a stronger defence posture in your organisation. What’s more, using robust monitoring solutions and tools can help you to detect unauthorised activities and potential security breaches in real-time. Not all businesses have the resources to monitor their networks around the clock, which is where Infosec K2K comes in. With our Managed Security Operations Centre (SOC) services, we offer businesses of all sizes 24/7 protection. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and we help businesses stay ahead, regularly reviewing and refining their access controls to ensure they remain effective.
Balancing Your Access and Cyber Security Needs
While local admin rights might seem necessary for some operational functions, their unrestricted use can pose significant risks. By adopting a least privilege access model, organisations not only improve their defence against cyber threats, but also foster a more responsible culture across their business. CyberArk’s findings underscore the importance of businesses proactively assessing their access control strategies, and prioritising security without compromising productivity.
Modern organisations have to navigate a complex landscape of cyber threats. The decision to remove local admin rights is not just a careful security measure, but a vital step toward safeguarding your most valuable assets and maintaining operational continuity. By embracing role-specific access controls, you can fortify your cyber defences against the latest threats, and at the same time, help your employees to perform their roles more effectively – and more securely.
Whatever solution you’re looking for, we can help. The experts at Infosec K2K can offer you specialist guidance, and help you find the product that’s the best fit for you.
Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you.