Timely data access empowers informed decisions, driving productivity and innovation. However, a control system is essential to safeguard security and data integrity.
What is an access control system?
Access control is a key element in the data security process, managing who can access corporate information and resources. Put simply, it authorises the right people and prevents the wrong people from gaining access to company data.
Why Is Access Control Important?
Implementing an access control system is important because it minimises your company’s security risks by keeping data, people, and buildings safe. If unauthorised personnel or bad actors were to access sensitive information, the data leak could compromise your business, exposing it to potential lawsuits and financial losses.
Data breaches cost businesses millions of dollars. In 2024, the average data breach cost was $4.88 million; healthcare companies saw the costliest breaches, for the 14th year in a row, with the average cost reaching $9.77 million.
Some companies suffer billion-dollar losses, like Dubai-based Bybit. The major cryptocurrency exchange lost $1.5 billion after hackers accessed its offline storage system, which was designed for security.
Security access control does more than prevent a crisis. Its implementation is also part of compliance with the UAE’s Personal Data Protection Law of 2021, which aligns with international standards, specifically the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union. The UAE law covers requirements for data processing, consent, security measures, and other relevant matters. Penalties apply for businesses that fail to meet compliance requirements.
How Access Controls Work
An access control system covers several key components. No matter how complex your system is, it must be managed through the following:
Authentication
The first step is identifying a user through their credentials to ensure that they are who they claim to be. This would include usernames, passwords, biometrics, and other multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods (e.g., codes sent to phones, push notifications).
Authorisation
This added layer of access control ensures the person has the right permissions to access the system. It specifies whether the person, based on their authenticated credentials, should be granted access to certain data or make specific transactions.
Access
Once authenticated and authorised, the user can then be granted access to the company’s resources, from web servers to distributed applications.
Some access controls also apply to physical spaces, like corporate offices or rooms containing valuable assets. Physical access control can restrict entry and use through badge scanners, keycards, and MFAs. Other organisations handling sensitive assets may also use specialised security systems before granting access.
Management
Implementing access control requires a strong set of policies that covers identity management and access management systems.
Clear processes should also be established to ensure that new users have the appropriate access according to their job, following the principle of least privilege. Conversely, users who have left the company must be removed from the access control list and their credentials cancelled to prevent unauthorised use.
Auditing
User access and activities must be monitored to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your access control system. An audit determines access violations, allowing you to adjust or refine your policies and procedures.
What Are the Types of Access Control in Security?
Access control models will vary with each organisation since some businesses will require a higher level of data and asset protection than others.
Compliance requirements are also a consideration. For instance, a retail business will need to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which may require a robust identity and access management framework whereas a health clinic will need to follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standard, which may require stricter access.
Here are the access control types you can implement.
1. Mandatory Access Control
Under this model, all users require clearance to access resources or physical spaces. A central administrator regulates access rights and organises them into tiers. Users will be granted or denied access based on their level of security clearance.
The military, intelligence agencies, and government entities typically implement the mandatory access control model. Other organisations that handle highly sensitive data and assets also use this model. Healthcare and bank security systems would have this stringent access control.
2. Role-Based Access Control
This access control model refers to defined business functions. Instead of using the user’s identity, the role-based access control grants permission using role assignments. Their access level allows them to only use data to carry out their jobs; they cannot alter or set permissions.
For instance, only a senior IT administrator will have access to the mainframe, customer database, and sales platforms, whereas a sales consultant can only access the customer database and sales platforms.
Some businesses may enforce role-based access control along with mandatory and discretionary controls.
3. Rule-Based Access Control
The system administrator defines the rules that determine access to company resources. This access control model also depends on location and conditions when granting permission.
Some organisations may combine the role- and rule-based access to implement control systems.
4. Discretionary Access Control
Owners of devices or administrators determine access rights under the discretionary access control. Although this model does limit who can use the company’s data and resources, the lack of centralised control might create inefficiencies in a big organisation.
5. Attribute-Based Access Control
A context-based approach, the attribute-based access control determines permissions according to policies granted to users. It assigns access rights using the attributes of users, systems, and environmental conditions.
6. Break-Glass Access Control
In emergencies, access rights may be granted temporarily to users who are not normally authorised.
The break-glass access control allows users to bypass regular permissions in critical situations (e.g., systems outage, medical emergencies, disaster recovery) that require rapid response.
This access control model, which should still follow stringent authentication, may be integrated into corporate infrastructure security solutions. To ensure continuity, some government security solutions may also implement this model.
What Is the Right Access Control System for Your Business?
A robust access control system is your first line of defence when it comes to securing assets, from sensitive data to critical infrastructure. As such, you’ll need advanced integrated solutions that protect and optimise your operations.
MVP Tech - Convergint offers customised turnkey solutions, including innovative access control systems and intercom solutions. We have helped businesses and government organisations protect their assets and secure their premises.
Let us help you find the right security access control solution for your business.
