In the world of small business cybersecurity, User Access Control plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive information. Here are some considerations for managing who has access to your systems and at what level:
User Provisioning/Deprovisioning: Develop a streamlined procedure for adding new users and promptly removing access when they leave your organization. This ensures the right people have the appropriate access.
Unique Credentials: Every user should have distinct login credentials. Sharing passwords or accounts increases security risks, so attribute accounts to individuals.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA, especially for internet-visible or highly sensitive logins. This extra layer of security can thwart password theft attempts.
Separate Administrator Credentials: Reduce the risk of losing administrator credentials by providing system administrators with two accounts: one for administrative tasks and another for day-to-day activities.
Strong Passwords: Encourage the use of 12-character passwords, preferably based on three random words. Longer passwords are more secure, but complexity can be added with a mix of case, special characters, and numbers.
Monitor and Educate: Instead of forcing frequent password changes, monitor for compromised passwords and change when necessary. Educate users not to reuse passwords across different sites.
By carefully managing user access, small organizations can bolster their cybersecurity defenses.
