Cyber Essentials - User Access Control

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that aims to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats, and one of the key controls it addresses is user access control.

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To meet the Cyber Essentials control for user access control, organisations need to implement certain security controls and practices to ensure that only authorised users are able to access systems and sensitive information. Here are some steps that organisations can take to meet the Cyber Essentials control for user access control:

1. Develop access control policies: The first step in user access control is to develop policies and procedures for controlling access to systems and sensitive information. This should include policies for user account management, password policies, and procedures for granting and revoking access.
2. Implement technical controls: Technical controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and intrusion prevention systems can be used to protect your systems and network from unauthorised access. Additionally, implement secure protocols such as SSH and SFTP, instead of FTP or Telnet.
3. Implement multi-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can help to ensure that only authorised users are able to access systems and sensitive information. This includes using a combination of something the user knows (password), something the user has (token) and something the user is (biometrics).
4. Train your staff: Your staff plays a crucial role in user access control. All employees should be made aware of the access control policies and procedures and be trained on how to follow them. In addition, regular training should be provided on security awareness and the appropriate handling of sensitive information.
5. Monitor and review access: Regularly monitor and review user access to systems and sensitive information to ensure that access is being used appropriately and that any necessary adjustments can be made. This can be done through regular audits and user access reviews.
6. Continuously improve: Continuously review and improve user access control policies and procedures by regularly analysing incidents, identifying trends, and making changes as necessary. This allows organisations to stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and respond accordingly.

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By following these steps, organisations can meet the Cyber Essentials control for user access control and ensure that only authorised users are able to access systems and sensitive information. Keep in mind that user access control is an ongoing process that needs to be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing needs of the organisation and to adapt to new risks and threats.