Can you say with confidence that only the right people in your business can access your sensitive data? For many companies, the answer is no.
Recent research reveals that around 50% of employees have more access to data than they need. While that might not sound urgent, it poses a serious security and compliance risk.
Why Excess Access is Dangerous
When staff can view files and systems outside their role, it increases the chance of both intentional and accidental incidents. While data theft does happen, far more common are mistakes, like:
- Sending confidential information to the wrong person
- Clicking on a file or system they should never have seen
- Retaining access after changing jobs or leaving the company
This risk is known as insider risk. It covers anyone with access to your business systems, from employees to contractors.
The Problem of Privilege Creep
One of the biggest challenges is privilege creep. This happens when employees slowly gain more permissions than necessary, usually because they switch roles or IT doesn’t regularly review their access.
Research shows that very few businesses manage this effectively, leaving large volumes of data unnecessarily exposed. Shockingly, nearly half of businesses admit that some ex-employees still have access months after leaving. That’s like giving a former staff member a key to your office and never changing the lock.
How to Reduce Insider Risk
The best way to prevent these issues is by applying the principle of least privilege. This means:
- Staff only get access to the systems and files they need to do their job
- Access is temporary and granted on a “just in time” basis when required
- Accounts are immediately disabled when someone leaves the business
With the growth of cloud software and AI tools, it’s easy for access management to get overlooked. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular reviews, automated access tools, and strict offboarding processes can make a huge difference.
Protect Your Business Before It’s Too Late
Insider risks are preventable, but only if you take action. Reviewing your access controls now is far easier and less costly than dealing with a data breach later.
If you’d like expert help tightening permissions and protecting your systems, get in touch with our team today.
