The Cyber Defense eMagazine February Edition for 2024

The Risks of Over-Privilege
Alongside dormant identities and old user accounts, over-privileged identities can be just as dangerous.
Users should only have privileges required to carry out their designated job responsibilities or least
privilege. If an organization overestimates the level of access or permissions an identity needs, (and they
often do) they open themselves up to significant and avoidable risks. If a user with malicious intent gains
access through an over-privileged identity, they can acquire heightened access and cause more
extensive damage than they would under normal circumstances.
Over-privileged data stores also enable widespread access and increase an organization’s risk for a data
breach. Virtually every organization has data stores that would be deemed over-privileged. Data within
an organization should exclusively be available to users with a genuine business need for that specific
data – but this is far more challenging to determine than it may seem. Oftentimes, data stores have
widespread access enabled and project managers share credentials without fully understanding the
resultant permissions. When permissions are granted in this manner, this puts the organizations at
greater risk of data breaches, leaks, and misuse.
To enhance security and avoid the risks associated with over-privilege, organizations are advised to grant
and continually right size permissions strictly based on job duties and operational necessity. Furthermore,
organizations should implement a streamlined, semi-automated process for permission management,
only re-granting access when necessary. These measures collectively contribute to reducing the attack
surface and mitigating the impact of compromise in the event of a breach.
A Case for Increased Visibility
These are just a few of the many challenges organizations face when securing their vast amounts of
data. To address these challenges, businesses must evolve their approach to data security. Data
protection can no longer be confined to traditional perimeters or the devices being used. Instead, securing
data requires full visibility into where it resides, how sensitive it is, who has access to it, and how it is
being used.
When organizations have complete visibility into their data, they are able to remove dormant data and
identities, assign users with least privileges, and ensure their data inventories are secure and up to date.
By implementing tools that provide a holistic view into an organization's data, and continuously and
proactively monitor for threats, organizations significantly enhance their security and ensure the safety of
their sensitive information.
Data is often an organization's greatest asset, as well as their greatest source of risk. As the volume of
data continues to grow, security teams face increasing challenges in trying to protect it. In order to combat
these challenges, organizations must prioritize visibility and proper data management. By implementing
tools that provide a holistic view of their data, organizations minimize the risk of a data breach, even as
their volume of data continues to grow.
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