Access Creep: How Permissions Become Breach Invitations
Access Creep: How Permissions Become Breach Invitations
Least privilege is free security ROI — cut access, cut risk.
Why this matters
Every extra admin right is a potential exploit. Most breaches stem from trusted insiders or forgotten accounts. Access hygiene is free security ROI.
1. The “Everyone” Folder
The game: Shared drives set to “Everyone” for convenience.
Counterplay: Enforce least privilege. Run quarterly permission audits.
2. The Dormant Account Ghost
The game: Ex-employees retain access weeks after exit.
Counterplay: HR triggers automated deprovisioning at offboarding.
3. The “Temporary” Elevation
The game: Temporary admin rights never revoked.
Counterplay: Use time-bound elevation (auto-revert after 24h).
4. The API Overshare
The game: Apps get full read/write tokens “just in case”.
Counterplay: Limit to required scopes; review connected apps monthly.
5. The “Shared Login” Shortcut
The game: Teams share one credential “for speed”.
Counterplay: Ban shared logins. Use SSO or delegated access.
CEO Mini-Checklist
- Permission audits quarterly
- Offboarding automation
- Admin rights auto-expire
- API scopes reviewed
- Shared logins eliminated.
Final Word
You don’t need more security tools — just fewer unnecessary keys.