It seems that nearly as long as passwords have been around, they’ve been a major source of security concern. Eighty-one percent of security incidents happen due to stolen or weak passwords. Additionally, employees continue to neglect the basics of good cyber management.
For example, 61% of workers use the same password for multiple platforms. And 43% have shared their passwords with others. These factors are why compromised credentials are the main cause of data breaches.
Access and identity management have become a priority for many organisations. This is largely due to the rise of the cloud. As well as the practice of people needing to only enter a username and password to access systems.
Once a cybercriminal gets a hold of an employee’s login, they can access the account and any data that it contains. This is especially problematic when it’s an account like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. These accounts can access things like cloud storage and user email.
Below, we’ll explain what conditional access is. As well as how it works with multi-factor authentication (MFA). We’ll also review the advantages of moving to a conditional access process.
Conditional access is also known as contextual access. It is a method of controlling user access. You can think of it as several “if/then” statements, meaning “if” this thing is present, “then” do this.
For example, conditional access allows you to set a rule that would state the following. “If a user is logging in from outside the country, require a one-time-passcode.”
Conditional access allows you to add many conditions to the process of user access to a system. It is typically used with MFA to improve access security without unnecessarily inconveniencing users.
Some of the most common contextual factors used include:
Conditional access can be set up in Azure Active Directory. It can also be set up in another identity and access management tool. It’s helpful to get the assistance of your IT partner. We can help with setup and the conditions that would make the most sense for your business.
Using conditional access improves security. It allows you more flexibility in challenging user legitimacy. It doesn’t just grant access to anyone with a username and password. Instead, the user needs to meet certain requirements.
Contextual access could block any login attempts from countries where no employees are. It could also present an extra verification question when employees use an unrecognised device.
Once the if/then statements are set up, the system takes over. It automates the monitoring for contextual factors and takes the appropriate actions. This reduces the burden on administrative IT teams and also ensures that no one is falling between the cracks.
Automated processes are more accurate and reliable than manual processes. Automation removes the human error component. This helps ensure that each condition is being verified for every single login.
Conditional access isn’t only for keeping unauthorised users out of your accounts. You can use it in other ways. One of these is to restrict the activities that legitimate users can do.
For example, you could restrict access to data or settings based on a user’s role in the system. You can also use conditions in combination. Such as, lowering permissions to view-only. You could trigger this if a user holds a certain role and is logging in from an unknown device.
Studies show that as many as 67% of businesses don’t use multi-factor authentication. This is despite the fact that it’s one of the most effective methods to stop credential breaches.
One of the biggest reasons it is not used is because of the inconvenience factor for employees. They may complain that it interferes with productivity or say that it makes it harder for them to use their business applications.
Using conditional access with MFA can improve the user experience. For example, you can require MFA only if users are off the premises. You can put in place extra challenge questions on a role or context-based basis. This keeps all users from being inconvenienced.
Using the rule of least privilege is a security best practice. It means only granting the lowest level of access in a system as necessary for a user to do their work. Once you have roles set up in your identity management system, you can base access on those roles.
Conditional access simplifies the process of restricting access to data or functions. You can base this on job needs. It streamlines identity management. This is because it contains all functions in the same system for access and MFA rules. Everything stays together, making management simpler.
Once conditional access is set up, the automated system takes over. It improves your security and reduces the risk of an account breach. Contact us today for a free consultation to enhance your cybersecurity.
You need the best IT support. Technology is complicated and expensive. It’s so hard to maintain everything and know what to do when something breaks or goes wrong. IT problems can really put a damper on your day. They’re frustrating, time-consuming, and can seem like a never-ending cycle of issues.
Penntech IT Solutions, a UK-based IT Service provider, is available to solve your issues proactively and reactively. We offer a range of services that will best suit your business needs — whether you only need someone to manage your server or want an entire IT department on call, we provide it all.
We’re always just a phone call away, and we live and breathe IT services. We’re here to help your business with anything that could go wrong with your systems or devices. We’re ready to solve any problem you throw our way!
Contact us today or explore the range of support packages on offer.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
Cool Windows 11 Features That May Make You Love This OS
Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system (OS) over a year ago. It was well-received mainly as stable and user-friendly….
6 Ways to Prevent Misconfiguration (the Main Cause of Cloud Breaches)
Misconfiguration of cloud solutions is often overlooked when companies plan cybersecurity strategies. Cloud apps are typically quick and easy to…
4 Proven Ways to Mitigate the Costs of a Data Breach
No business wants to suffer a data breach, but unfortunately, it’s difficult to avoid them in today’s environment. Approximately 83%…
The benefits of AI include advancing our technology, improving business operations, and much more. Adoption of AI has more than doubled…
Leading Password Managers for Personal and Business
We hope that your business is already considering a password manager, but there’s still the matter of finding the right…
Align Your Team to Company Targets with Microsoft Viva Goals
You often hear the words “digital transformation” and “collaboration.” But what do they actually mean? What do they mean for…
What’s Changing in the Cybersecurity Insurance Market?
Cybersecurity insurance is still a pretty new concept for many SMBs. It was initially introduced in the 1990s to provide coverage for large enterprises. It covered things like data processing errors and online media.
What to include in a Year-end Technology Infrastructure Review
When the year is coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to plan for the future. Most businesses begin…
Simple Setup Checklist for Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a lot of things. It’s a video conferencing tool, a team messaging channel, and a tool for…
Small Businesses Are Attacked by Hackers 3x More than Larger Ones
Have you felt more secure from cyberattacks because you have a smaller business? Maybe you thought you couldn’t possibly have…
5 Mistakes Companies Are Making in the Digital Workplace
The pandemic has been a reality that companies around the world have shared. It required significant changes in how they…
10 Ways Cloud Telephony Can Benefit Your Business Communication
Cloud telephony is a technology that allows businesses to manage their communication systems through the internet. This new approach has…
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an IT Support Company in London
There are many options when it comes to finding an IT support company in London. However, not all of them…
What Are The Benefits of Using a Professional IT Support Company?
Have you ever experienced a technology issue that frustrated you so much that you wished someone could help you figure…
More secure multifactor authentication from Microsoft
Microsoft Authenticator will soon prompt you to enter a number displayed on the sign-in screen when approving an MFA request…
The Complete Guide To Finding Affordable IT Support For Businesses in London
Navigating the business IT support market can be overwhelming, with different prices and services available. Fortunately, this guide has all…
The Benefits of IT Managed Services in the Modern World
Increased Security for Your Data and IT Systems Managed IT services provide several measures to protect your business’s data and…
The Pros & Cons of Tracking Your Employee’s Every Digital Movement
Since the pandemic, employers around the world have needed to change, including IT Support in London. They’ve had to shift…