What are the Risks of Poor Access Controls?

‍

Are you always worried your organization isn’t equipped to protect sensitive data from threats like insider risks or cyberattacks? If so, it may be due to inadequate access control mechanisms. According to reports, 63% of IT decision makers admitted that high-sensitivity access in their organization is not properly secured.

As SaaS usage continues to grow, the risk of these issues can escalate to a point where they become unmanageable. Weak or poor access control can result in serious consequences, including data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your organization's reputation.

Understanding these risks allows IT administrators to make informed choices about security measures and investments. This article will highlight the dangers of weak access controls and explain why strong security measures are vital for safeguarding your organization.

‍

TL;DR

• Poor access controls can lead to data breaches, insider threats, non-compliance, and operational disruptions, risking financial losses and reputational damage.
• Different access control models, such as RBAC, MAC, and ABAC, help organizations secure sensitive data based on roles, attributes, or context.
• Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and automated provisioning enhances security and minimizes risks.
• Regular access reviews and monitoring ensure permissions are up to date and aligned with business needs, reducing the risk of privilege escalation.
• Tools like CloudEagle.ai streamline access management, automate provisioning, and help organizations stay compliant with security standards like SOC 2.

‍

Secure SaaS Access in Minutes

Download our SaaS Security Checklist to identify hidden risks, tighten access controls, and protect your business from costly breaches.

Download checklist

‍

What are access controls?

Access controls are security measures that define who can enter, what they can access, and what actions they can perform within a system, application, or physical space. 

Their main purpose is to make sure that only authorized users or systems interact with sensitive resources, reducing the chances of access control issues or misuse.

In simple terms, access controls act like digital gatekeepers, ensuring that the right people have the right level of access, while everyone else is kept out.

The access control market was valued at USD 9.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 20.5 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 8.2%.

‍

‍

53% of IT Directors plan to upgrade their cloud security in 2024, making it the top security investment. Access controls are crucial in this upgrade and can be implemented through various mechanisms, including passwords, biometric scans, and security tokens.

Types of access controls

Access controls can be categorized into several types, including:

• Mandatory access control (MAC): In this model, access rights are assigned based on regulations determined by a central authority. Users cannot override these settings, making it a highly secure option for sensitive environments like government agencies.
• Discretionary access control (DAC): Here, the owner of a resource determines who has access. While this offers flexibility, it can lead to inconsistent security practices if not managed properly.
• Role-based access control (RBAC): Access is granted based on the user’s role within the organization. This approach simplifies management and ensures that employees only have access to the information necessary for their job functions.
• Attribute-based access control (ABAC): This model uses attributes (such as user role, location, or access time) to make real-time access decisions. ABAC provides a highly granular level of control.
• Context-based access control (CBAC): Access is granted based on the context of the access request, including factors like device used, network location, and user behavior. This approach enhances security by adapting to the situation.

Without proper governance, even the most advanced models can turn into poor access control setups.

‍

What is a poor access control?

‍Poor access control happens when a system doesn’t properly enforce permissions, letting people go beyond what they’re actually allowed to do. In security terms, this is often called Broken Access Control (BAC).

It usually stems from mistakes like weak authentication, misconfigured permissions, or sloppy design. For example, a user with basic access might suddenly be able to view financial data, change admin settings, or download confidential files.

When these access control issues slip through, they open the door to bigger problems: data theft, privilege escalation, and sometimes full system compromise. That’s why addressing poor access control is one of the top priorities in strengthening an organization’s defenses.

‍

Risks of Poor Access Controls You Should Be Aware of

Robust access controls are crucial for safeguarding sensitive information in organizations. Inadequate access controls can expose organizations to numerous risks with potentially severe repercussions.

The following are significant risks linked to insufficient access controls:

1. Data breaches

Weak access controls allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive data, leading to data breaches. The consequences can be severe, including legal issues, financial losses, and significant harm to an organization’s reputation. According to reports, the average cost of a data breach is 4.45 million dollars.

For example, in 2017, the Equifax breach exposed the personal information of approximately 147 million people, primarily due to inadequate access management.

“There are only two types of companies in the world: those that have been breached and know it and those that have been breached and don’t know it.”

– Ted Schlein, Venture Capitalist and Cybersecurity Expert

Poor access controls also make it easier for cybercriminals to compromise credentials. Once they have unauthorized access, these criminals can launch various cyberattacks, including phishing schemes and ransomware attacks.

The 2020 Twitter hack, where attackers gained access to high-profile accounts, highlighted the risks associated with weak access controls.

Another incident happened In 2014; Yahoo suffered a data breach affecting over 500 million user accounts, compromising names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and security questions.

You can read more such data breach stories in this report.

2. Insider threats

Not all threats originate from external sources; many come from within the organization. Employees with excessive access rights may intentionally or unintentionally misuse their privileges, leading to data leaks or sabotage.

When users leave a company, failing to properly deprovision their access presents a serious insider threat risk. If employees who quit or are terminated still have access to company resources and systems, they might use this access to view sensitive data or cause harm. This could result in data breaches or the misuse of confidential information.

For instance, in 2023, Tesla faced a significant data breach when two former employees leaked sensitive personal data to a foreign media outlet, affecting over 75,000 current and former employees. The leaked information included names, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers.

3. Non-compliance with regulatory standards

Various industries face stringent regulations regarding data protection and privacy. For example, Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes heavy fines for non-compliance, reaching up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover, whichever is higher.

In addition to GDPR, companies—especially in tech and SaaS—often need to meet SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. This standard ensures that an organization has strong security, privacy, and data protection practices in place over time. If a company doesn’t comply, it risks losing business, as clients may require SOC 2 certification before trusting their sensitive data to the organization.

Weak access controls can lead to violations of these regulations, resulting in severe consequences. These include:

• Hefty fines: Organizations found non-compliant can face substantial financial penalties that impact their bottom line and overall profitability.

In May 2023, Ireland fined Meta €1.2 billion for transferring European user data to the U.S. without sufficient protections, marking a significant warning about regulatory compliance.

• Legal challenges: Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits from affected individuals or regulatory bodies, resulting in costly legal fees and potential settlements.
• Reputation damage: Violations can severely damage an organization’s reputation, losing customer trust and potentially driving clients to competitors.

4. System downtime and operational disruption

Inadequate access controls can lead to system failures or outages caused by unauthorized access or malicious attacks. When unauthorized users gain access to critical systems, they may introduce harmful changes or even launch attacks that can cripple operations.

Consequences of system downtime:

• Lost productivity: If systems are down, employees may be unable to perform their tasks, leading to project delays and reduced overall efficiency.
• Revenue losses: Prolonged downtime can directly affect sales and customer service, resulting in lost revenue opportunities and dissatisfied customers.

“It’s not enough to protect your data; you need to protect your customers’ data too.”

– Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft

• Increased recovery costs: Organizations may incur substantial costs to restore systems, investigate breaches, and implement new security measures, diverting resources from other initiatives.
• Regulatory penalties: In some industries, downtime can lead to compliance violations, resulting in fines and legal repercussions.

For instance, the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack highlights the risks of weak access controls. It affected many computers, including the UK's National Health Service, leading to canceled appointments and lost productivity.

5. Privilege escalation

Privilege escalation occurs when users gain elevated access to systems or data that exceeds their authorized permissions. This often results from poorly configured access controls, which fail to restrict user privileges adequately.

When users can access sensitive information or critical systems they shouldn't be able to, the risks to the organization multiply.

Privilege escalation occurs when users gain unauthorized access to systems or data beyond their permitted levels. This situation often arises from poorly configured access controls that fail to limit user privileges properly.

When individuals can access sensitive information or critical systems they shouldn’t, the risks to the organization multiply significantly.

How does privilege escalation happen?

• Misconfigured permissions: Inadequate settings allow users to inherit permissions they shouldn’t have, enabling them to access sensitive data or systems.
• Exploiting vulnerabilities: Attackers may exploit software vulnerabilities to gain higher access rights, allowing them to bypass security measures and control systems.
• Social engineering: Users may be tricked into revealing their credentials or granting access to malicious actors, leading to unauthorized privilege escalation.

For instance, the 2013 Target breach was partially attributed to compromised vendor credentials that allowed attackers to escalate their privileges within the network.

This usually stems from poor access control configurations or mismanagement.

6. Loss of customer trust and reputational damage

A data breach or security incident from poor access controls can severely erode customer trust. Clients expect their sensitive information to be handled securely, and any failure in this regard can lead to reputational damage that may take years to recover from.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it.”

– Stephane Nappo, Cybersecurity Expert

For example, after the 2018 Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, where user data was improperly accessed and used, Facebook faced significant public backlash and declined user trust.

‍

Common Access Control Issues & Vulnerabilities 

Even with policies in place, organizations often struggle with access control issues that weaken security. These gaps create access risks, giving attackers opportunities to exploit systems and data. Some of the most common vulnerabilities include:

• Broken Access Control: When restrictions aren’t enforced correctly, users can perform actions or view data outside their permissions. This is the root cause of many security breaches.
  
• Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR): Attackers manipulate IDs in URLs or hidden fields to access data that belongs to other users.
  
• Privilege Escalation: Users gain higher privileges than intended.
  
  • Horizontal escalation → viewing another user’s private data.
  • Vertical escalation → a regular user performing administrator-level actions.‍
• Forced Browsing: Directly accessing restricted pages or API endpoints by altering URLs.‍

• API Vulnerabilities: Weak or missing controls in APIs can expose sensitive data and functions.‍‍
• ‍Inadequate Session Management: Poorly handled sessions may let attackers hijack user accounts or impersonate others.‍
• Security Misconfiguration: Default credentials, incorrect permissions, or improper setup of systems create easy targets.‍
• Insecure Design: Weaknesses baked into the application’s architecture often lead to long-term vulnerabilities.

Without robust access controls, these issues go unchecked, putting sensitive information at risk, breaking compliance, and making it harder for security teams to maintain trust. 

Even with policies in place, poor access control leaves the door open to exploitation. 

‍

How to Assess Your Access Control Risks

‍To assess access control risks, start by defining the scope of your review and identifying the critical assets that need protection, such as sensitive data and core systems. Once the scope is set, evaluate potential threats and vulnerabilities, including poor access control, insider misuse, excessive permissions, or weak authentication setups.

The process generally includes five key steps:

1. Define Scope and Critical Assets

Choose which applications, systems, and user groups to include. Identify your most valuable assets, such as financial data or intellectual property, to prioritize protection.

2. Identify Threats and Vulnerabilities

Audit existing policies to identify signs of poor access controls. Look for common access control issues like unauthorized access, insider misuse, or excessive user permissions. Use vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to uncover weaknesses.

3. Assess and Analyze Risks

Estimate the likelihood and impact of each risk. Rank them to see which ones pose the greatest access risk and require immediate attention.

4. Implement Security Controls

Apply measures to reduce risks. Strengthen authentication with MFA, validate permissions through role-based access (RBAC), and enforce least privilege to prevent privilege creep.

5. Document and Monitor

Record all findings and your remediation plan. Continuously monitor your systems, update controls, and conduct regular reviews to ensure robust access controls remain effective.

‍

Make Offboarding Risk Free

Ensure no ex-employee keeps access to your critical systems. Download our Employee Offboarding Checklist to safeguard data and stay compliant.

• Remove access to all SaaS apps
• Secure sensitive files and data
• Prevent shadow IT risks
• Stay compliant with regulations

Download checklist

Best practices to strengthen access controls

Organizations should adopt best practices that strengthen access controls to enhance security and protect sensitive information. Identity and access management reduces the total cost of a data breach by $180,000 on average.

Here are some effective strategies:

1. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to systems. This could include something they know (like a password), something they have (like a mobile device or security token), or something they are (like a fingerprint).

MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, as even if credentials are compromised, an additional verification step is needed. Organizations should encourage or mandate MFA for all users, particularly those accessing sensitive systems and data.

2. Role-based access control (RBAC)

RBAC assigns access rights based on a user’s organizational role. This approach ensures that employees only have access to the information and systems necessary for their job functions.

Implementing RBAC simplifies access management and reduces the chances of over-privileged access, which can lead to data breaches. Regularly reviewing and updating roles and permissions is essential to ensure that they align with changing job responsibilities.

3. Regular access reviews and audits

Regular access reviews and audits help organizations identify and rectify inappropriate access rights. These reviews should evaluate who has access to what systems and data, ensuring access levels remain appropriate over time.

“Security is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process.”

– John Malloy, Cybersecurity Professional

Audits can also help identify potential security gaps or compliance issues. Establishing a routine schedule for these reviews—such as quarterly or biannually—ensures ongoing vigilance and helps maintain a secure environment.

4. Timed access and privileged access management (PAM)

Timed access limits the duration of access to sensitive information or systems. This is particularly useful for contractors or temporary employees who only need access for a limited time.

Additionally, implementing privileged access management (PAM helps control and monitor access to critical systems by managing accounts with elevated privileges. PAM solutions often include session recording and real-time monitoring to detect suspicious activities, ensuring privileged accounts are used responsibly and securely.

5. Leverage the principle of least privilege and zero-touch security

The principle of least privilege dictates that users should only have the minimum access necessary to perform their job functions. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

“A breach alone is not a disaster, but mishandling it is.”

– Serene Davis, Cybersecurity Expert

Complementing this principle with Zero-Touch security—where access decisions are made automatically based on predefined policies—can streamline access management. 87% of organizations are working towards zero trust access or have already put it in place, based on a survey of 398 IT and cybersecurity professionals.

By using automated tools to manage permissions, organizations can quickly adjust access levels in response to changing roles or security conditions, minimizing the potential for human error. However, 42% of security teams are not or only somewhat confident in achieving zero trust security.

6. Automate onboarding using user provisioning software

Automating the onboarding process with user provisioning software simplifies the management of user access rights. When new employees join the organization, automated provisioning systems can quickly assign appropriate access based on their role.

This reduces the time required for manual setup and minimizes the risk of errors, such as granting excessive access. Additionally, automating offboarding processes ensures access is promptly revoked when employees leave the organization, further enhancing security.

With CloudEagle.ai's auto-provisioning feature, new hires can access all the tools they need on their first day. From onboarding to app recommendations, every aspect ensures your team members hit the ground running without hiccups.

Similarly, when an employee leaves, CloudEagle.ai automates the offboarding process. You won't have to wait for access requests; the platform recommends applications based on the employee's department and role, ensuring immediate access. This proactive approach saves time and boosts productivity.

Read this inspiring success story to learn how Remediant transformed user provisioning and deprovisioning, saving hundreds of hours managing SaaS apps.

‍

Uncover IAM Risks Today

Learn the 8 identity and access management risks every organization must address. Download the guide to protect sensitive data and avoid costly security gaps.

Download Guide

‍

‍‍Benefits of Implementing Robust Access Controls

Implementing robust access controls provides stronger security, ensures compliance, and improves efficiency across both digital and physical systems. It helps reduce access risks, prevents common access control issues, and builds long-term trust with customers and partners.

1. Security and Threat Protection

• Prevent unauthorized access: Sensitive data, applications, and physical assets are protected from misuse.
  
• Reduce data breaches: Strong barriers lower the chances of information being leaked or stolen.
  
• Protect against insider threats: Enforcing least privilege limits the damage from accidental or intentional misuse.
  
• Deter malicious activity: External hackers and malicious insiders face more hurdles.

2. Compliance and Accountability

• Meet regulatory standards: Frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA require strict controls and rbac security.
  
• Generate audit trails: Every access attempt is logged, supporting investigations and compliance audits.
  
• Ensure accountability: Clear logs tie every action to a specific user.

3. Operational and Strategic Advantages

• Improve efficiency: Role based access (RBAC) streamlines provisioning and reduces manual work.
  
• Lower costs: Avoid fines, minimize breach-related expenses, and cut down reliance on physical keys.
  
• Build trust: Strong security practices reassure clients, partners, and stakeholders.
  
• Aid emergency response: In physical spaces, access systems help track staff during evacuations.

By combining strong policies, automation, and continuous monitoring, organizations can turn access controls into a foundation for both security and operational success.

‍

How Can You Strengthen Your Organization's Access Control Mechanisms?

Strengthening access control mechanisms is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring that only authorized personnel can access critical systems. 42% of organizations plan to implement identity governance measures, making it the most frequent response.

Here are several actionable steps organizations can take to enhance their access controls:

App access reviews: CloudEagle.ai automates access reviews, helping IT teams save time and effort. It also ensures that reviews are conducted regularly to meet company policies or legal requirements.

‍

‍

The platform allows you to easily check who can access which applications, ensuring permissions match employees' current roles and responsibilities.

CloudEagle.ai also gives helpful insights and suggestions. For example, if someone still has access to apps they no longer need, the platform can recommend or automatically remove that access, keeping your system secure and efficient.

Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment: Assess your organization’s current access control policies and practices. Identify vulnerabilities, potential threats, and areas for improvement. This assessment will be a foundation for developing a robust access control strategy tailored to your organization's needs.

‍

‍

Monitoring app access and conducting compliance reviews can be time-consuming. With CloudEagle.ai, you can streamline this process significantly. Instead of logging into each application separately, you can generate compliance reports quickly and easily.

Detailed logs of provisioning and de-provisioning activities are readily available, making it simple to track who has access to what. For deeper insights, check out our comprehensive guide on Identity and Access Management.

Develop and enforce clear access control policies: Establish clear and comprehensive policies that outline user roles, responsibilities, and the criteria for granting access. Ensure these policies are communicated effectively to all employees and regularly reviewed to keep them relevant.

Unmanaged privileges can lead to unauthorized access, which poses a serious risk to your organization. CloudEagle.ai helps ensure that users are automatically assigned the correct level of access.

Only the right people have privileged access to critical systems like AWS and NetSuite. By managing these permissions effectively, you can enhance security and minimize potential vulnerabilities.

Train employees on security awareness: Regular training sessions on security best practices can help employees understand the importance of access controls. Eight out of ten IT professionals believe their organization is at risk of accidental data leaks due to negligent employees.

Thus, educating staff about phishing attacks, social engineering, and properly handling sensitive information can reduce the likelihood of breaches caused by human error.

Implement continuous monitoring and incident response plans: Continuous monitoring of access logs and user activities can help detect unauthorized access or unusual behavior early.

‍

‍

Establish incident response plans that outline the steps to take in the event of a security breach, ensuring that the organization can respond quickly and effectively.

“There’s no silver bullet solution with cyber security; a layered defense is the only viable defense.”

– James Scott, Senior Fellow at ICIT

If you want to learn how choosing a SaaS management tool can significantly improve your organization's access control mechanisms, listen to how Alice Park from Remediant used CloudEagle.ai to automate provisioning and deprovisioning, ensuring users have the right access to applications.

‍

‍

Conclusion

Strong access control is essential for every organization in a world where data breaches are all too common. By following best practices, regularly assessing security measures, and promoting a culture of awareness, you can significantly reduce risks.

Only 38% of organizations believe they are effectively securing their cloud resources, with 26% seeing this as one of their most significant weaknesses. However, adequate access controls can protect sensitive information and build trust with customers and stakeholders. They are also necessary to maintain the integrity and security of your organization’s assets.

Thinking of cybersecurity solely as an IT issue is like believing that a company’s entire workforce, from the CEO down, is just one big HR issue.”

- Steven Chabinsky, Global Chair of Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity at White & Case LLP

To enhance your security, consider using a SaaS management tool like CloudEagle.ai, which offers advanced access control features. This will help you stay ahead of potential threats.

If you want to strengthen your access control mechanisms, schedule a demo with CloudEagle.ai.

‍

FAQ

1. What are access control vulnerabilities?

Access control vulnerabilities are weaknesses that let users bypass restrictions, leading to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or data leaks. Common issues include poor access control, misconfigured permissions, and weak session handling.

2. What is role-based user access?

Role-based user access means permissions are assigned according to a person’s role in the organization. This role based access (RBAC) approach simplifies management, prevents privilege creep, and strengthens security by enforcing least-privilege policies.

3. What are the three types of RBAC?

The three types of RBAC are core, hierarchical, and constrained. Core RBAC manages users and roles; hierarchical RBAC adds inheritance between roles; constrained RBAC enforces separation of duties to reduce risks. Together, they form effective RBAC security.

4. What is the RBAC technique?

The RBAC technique controls access by linking permissions to roles, not individuals. Users inherit rights based on their role, reducing access risks. This technique supports compliance, improves efficiency, and prevents common access control issues.

5. What are the difficulties with an access control directory?

Challenges include scalability, managing frequent role changes, handling excessive permissions, and preventing poor access control practices. Without robust access controls, directories can be hard to audit, leading to compliance gaps and insider threats.

‍