How To
Designing a risk-based method to assess whether an access right is considered privileged requires a structured approach that evaluates the access’s potential impact, sensitivity, and criticality. The method should focus on identifying high-risk access points that could significantly affect the organization if misused.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
A. Define Privileged Access Criteria
First, define what constitutes “privileged access” within the organization. Typically, privileged access includes:
- Access that grants administrative rights, like system or database administrator roles.
- Access to modify security settings or configurations.
- Access to critical or sensitive systems (e.g., financial systems, customer databases).
- Access to override, bypass, or disable security mechanisms.
B. Categorize Access Levels
Classify access rights into categories based on potential risk:
- Standard Access: Rights that allow basic, day-to-day operations without security or administrative privileges.
- Elevated Access: Rights that grant users access to additional resources or functions but are not critical or highly sensitive.
- Privileged Access: Rights that involve significant control over systems, networks, or sensitive data, which could affect organizational security if misused.
C. Risk Factors for Privileged Access
To assess whether an access right should be considered privileged, consider the following risk factors:
- Scope of Control: Does the access allow the user to change system configurations or security settings? Broad access to system resources indicates higher risk.
- Impact of Misuse: What would be the consequence of misuse? High-risk access can cause significant financial, reputational, or operational damage.
- Data Sensitivity: Does the access provide visibility or control over sensitive data (e.g., personal information, financial data, intellectual property)?
- User Autonomy: Is the user able to bypass security controls or escalate privileges? If so, it is likely privileged access.
D. Create a Risk-Based Scoring Model
Develop a scoring model that assigns a risk score based on the factors above. This model can use a numeric scale (e.g., 1-5) or categories like “Low,” “Medium,” and “High.” Each access type would be evaluated based on:
- Criticality of the system (e.g., critical business functions vs. non-essential services).
- Sensitivity of the data (e.g., personally identifiable information (PII) vs. non-sensitive data).
- Impact of abuse or compromise (e.g., financial loss, regulatory non-compliance).
For example:
- Low-risk access: Viewing non-sensitive data with no ability to modify.
- Medium-risk access: Access to modify specific data but without broad control over systems.
- High-risk access (Privileged): Full control over systems or access to sensitive data with the ability to modify or delete critical assets.
E. Automate and Review Regularly
Automate this risk-based model where possible using identity and access management (IAM) tools to continuously evaluate and reclassify access based on the risk level. The system should flag accounts with high-risk privileges for additional monitoring or review.
F. Implement Controls for Privileged Access
For access deemed privileged:
- Apply Enhanced Controls: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), session monitoring, and audit logs to track activities performed by privileged users.
- Conduct Periodic Reviews: Regularly review privileged access rights to ensure they are still necessary and aligned with job roles.
- Principle of Least Privilege: Always assign the least amount of access necessary to perform the role.
G. Incorporate Organizational Input
Collaborate with system owners, security teams, and risk management personnel to understand the specific context of access rights within your organization. This will help in fine-tuning the criteria and scoring model based on the business impact.
Example Model:
| Factor | Score (1-5) | Weight | Description |
| Scope of Control | 1-5 | 30% | Admin privileges, system settings access |
| Data Sensitivity | 1-5 | 30% | Access to PII, financial data, critical IP |
| Impact of Misuse | 1-5 | 25% | Potential damage caused by abuse of the access |
| User Autonomy | 1-5 | 15% | Ability to bypass security or escalate privileges |
| Total Score | Weighted score | Sum of weighted scores |
Access with a higher total score would be classified as privileged and subject to additional controls.
Conclusion
This risk-based approach to determining privileged access ensures that access rights are evaluated not just based on the role or function but also on the potential risk and impact they pose. Regular reviews and automation further strengthen the assessment, keeping access rights in line with the organization’s evolving security posture.