Authentication & Access Control

Why Authentication & Access Control Matters

Most cyberattacks start with compromised accounts. Weak or poorly managed authentication opens the door to attackers, and weak access controls let them move freely once inside. Strong authentication and access control ensure the right people get in — and keep everyone else out.

Key Principles

1. Strong Password Policies

✅ Require long, complex passwords (passphrases are best).
✅ Prevent reuse of old passwords.
✅ Encourage password managers instead of sticky notes or reused credentials.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

✅ Combine passwords with something you have (phone, token) or something you are (biometrics).
✅ Enable MFA for both employees and customers where possible.
✅ Protect admin accounts with mandatory MFA.

3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

✅ Assign permissions based on roles, not individuals.
✅ Ensure users only have the minimum access needed (least privilege).
✅ Review roles regularly and adjust as responsibilities change.

4. Session Management

✅ Set reasonable session timeouts for inactivity.
✅ Invalidate sessions after logout.
✅ Protect cookies with Secure and HttpOnly flags.

5. Privileged Access Management (PAM)

✅ Limit how many users have admin rights.
✅ Monitor privileged accounts closely.
✅ Use temporary privilege escalation instead of permanent admin rights.

6. Monitoring & Alerts

✅ Log all login attempts (successful and failed).
✅ Set alerts for unusual behavior (e.g., logins from new countries or times).
✅ Lock accounts after repeated failed attempts to prevent brute force.

Quick Wins

Turn on MFA today for admin accounts.
Audit accounts and remove inactive users.
Review permissions — does everyone really need the access they have?
Use password managers to avoid reuse and weak passwords.

Conclusion

Authentication and access control are your first line of defense. By combining strong passwords, MFA, role-based permissions, and monitoring, you make it significantly harder for attackers to break in — and limit the damage if they do.