Securing privileged accounts is critical to safeguarding sensitive information. Learn how to implement best practices for privileged account security tailored to small and medium-sized businesses or let Synivate handle it for you.
Understanding the Importance of Privileged Account Security
In the digital landscape, privileged accounts are the keys to the kingdom. They grant elevated access to critical systems and sensitive data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the compromise of a privileged account can lead to severe consequences including data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Ensuring the security of these accounts is not just about protecting assets; it's about maintaining client trust and safeguarding business integrity. Security measures must be robust, proactive, and continuously updated to keep pace with evolving threats.
Implementing Conditional Access Policies with Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 offers a suite of tools designed to enhance security, including conditional access policies. These policies help ensure that only authorized users can access critical resources, and they do so under specified conditions.
To protect privileged accounts, SMBs should implement conditional access policies that factor in user roles, device health, location, and risk levels. For example, requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all privileged account logins can add an extra layer of security.
Limiting Session Tokens to Enhance Security
Session tokens are temporary credentials that allow users to remain authenticated without repeatedly entering their login information. While convenient, they can pose a security risk if they remain active for too long.
To mitigate this risk, SMBs should implement a policy to limit session tokens to 8 hours. This means that users will need to re-authenticate after an 8-hour period, reducing the window of opportunity for unauthorized access in case a token is compromised.
Blocking Unauthorized Access with SASE
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a comprehensive framework that integrates networking and security functions. It provides secure, direct access to applications and data, regardless of where users are located.
For SMBs, implementing SASE can be a game-changer. By requiring privileged accounts to connect through SASE, businesses can ensure that all access attempts are secure and verified. This policy effectively blocks login attempts to privileged accounts unless the user is connected through the secure SASE framework, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
Best Practices for Ongoing Privileged Account Management
Securing privileged accounts is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and audits. Implement least privilege access, ensuring users have only the permissions they need to perform their tasks. Regularly review and adjust access levels as roles and responsibilities change.
Additionally, implement robust monitoring and alerting systems to detect unusual activity. Conduct periodic security training for all employees to keep them aware of best practices and potential threats. Finally, consider leveraging managed security services to provide expert oversight and rapid response to any incidents.