Passwords have been a serious source of security concern ever since they’ve been around. Eighty-one percent of security incidents occur due to stolen or weak passwords. Additionally, employees continue to ignore good password habits.
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 are now 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 logins grant access to things like company data that may be confidential and the user’s email.
Below, we’ll explain what conditional access is and how it works with multi-factor authentication (MFA). We’ll also review the advantages of moving to a conditional access process.
What Is Conditional Access?
Conditional access is also known as contextual access. Names aside, at it’s core it’s simply 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. This is to improve access security without unnecessarily inconveniencing users, harming their ability to get work done.
Some of the most common contextual factors used include:
- IP address
- Geographic location
- Time of day
- The device used
- Role or group the user belongs to
Conditional access can be set up in Azure Active Directory which is part of Microsoft 365. It can also be set up in other identity and access management tools such as Okta. When implementing it, 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.
The Benefits of Implementing Conditional Access for Identity Management
Improves Security
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 in which you don’t have any employees. It could also present an extra verification question when employees use an unrecognised device.
Automates the Access Management Process
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. It also ensures that no one user is falling between the cracks leaving your business vulnerable.
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.
Allows Restriction of Certain Activities
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.
Improves the User Login Experience
Studies show that as many as 67% of businesses don’t use multi-factor authentication. That’s despite the fact that it’s one of the most effective methods to stop credential breaches.
One of the biggest reasons it’s not used is because it’s believed to inconvenience 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 can help keep all users from being inconvenienced.
Enforces the Rule of Least Privilege
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 define access around 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.
Get Help Implementing Conditional Access Today!
Once conditional access is set up, the automation takes over, improving your security and reducing the risk of an account breach. Contact us today for a free consultation to enhance your cybersecurity.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.