A robust security framework is based on the user’s permissions and two-factor authentication. The ability to manage user permissions is a key tool in reducing the possibility that malicious or accidental insider activity will occur, minimizing impact of data breaches and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
1. Reduce the threat of insider threats
A common way to limit access for users is to apply the principle of least privilege which states that users should be granted the minimum level of privileges necessary for their job. This can reduce the potential impact of any illegal activities that are performed by employees or third party vendors.
2. Minimize the Risk of a Data Breach
Many industries are subject to strict regulations which require rigorous data security methods. By controlling permissions granted to users organizations can ensure compliance by making sure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.
3. Reduce the risk of third-party Vendor Activity
Many data breaches happen as a result of compromised credentials owned by third-party vendors. Reviewing and updating regularly the permissions granted to users can help reduce the risk that external vendors will gain access without authorization.
4. Provide Flexibility for Privilege Escalation
Role-based Access Control (RBAC) is now a popular way to manage user permissions. It assigns specific rights based on roles that have been identified. These roles can be nested to allow for more precise access control. For example, a senior physician may be granted more privileges than a junior physician when it comes to viewing the patient’s information. Additionally, RBAC can be configured to require two-factor authentication (2FA) for certain roles to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, even when the password is compromised.
