Introduction
Privileged Access is a type of access to a computer system, network, or database that is restricted to a certain group of users. It is a form of security control designed to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of the system. It is an important part of information security and is commonly used in organizations to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.
Background
Privileged Access is not a new concept. It has been around for decades, and has been used to protect data and systems from unauthorized access. In the early days of computing, privileged access was limited to physical access to the mainframe or minicomputer. It was used to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the system’s resources and data. With the advent of distributed computing systems and the internet, the need for privileged access has become more important.
The Need for Privileged Access
The use of privileged access is essential in order to protect an organization’s critical infrastructure, data, and applications. It is important for organizations to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data and systems. Unauthorized access can lead to the compromise of confidential information, the theft of intellectual property, and the disruption of business operations. By restricting access to certain users, organizations can protect their data and systems from unauthorized access.
Types of Privileged Access
Privileged Access can be divided into two main categories: physical and logical. Physical privileged access refers to physical access to a system, such as a server room or data center. Logical privileged access refers to access to a system’s logical components, such as databases and network devices. Physical access is typically more restrictive than logical access, as physical access requires physical proximity to the system.
Conclusion
Privileged Access is an important security control for organizations. It enables organizations to protect their critical data and systems from unauthorized access. By restricting access to certain users, organizations can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data and systems.
References
Bishop, M. (2006). Computer Security: Art and Science. Addison-Wesley Professional.
Gibson, D. (2002). Building Security: Design, Practice, and Management. McGraw-Hill Professional.
Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology. Retrieved from https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/SP/nistspecialpublication800-145.pdf
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2015). Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations. Retrieved from https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-53r4.pdf