How to De-provision Break-glass Access and Strengthen Your Security

Managing access in your tech ecosystem is crucial, especially dealing with break-glass access. Technology managers need to handle these 'just-in-case' accounts with care to protect company data and maintain security. Let's explore how to de-provision break-glass access efficiently and enhance your security stance.

Understanding Break-glass Access

Break-glass access refers to emergency accounts, created and used when regular access methods fail. These accounts might have elevated privileges to resolve urgent issues. However, if not correctly managed, they can pose security risks.

Key Point: While essential for emergencies, these accounts require careful oversight to prevent misuse.

Step-by-Step Guide to De-provision Break-glass Access

De-provisioning means safely removing these backup access accounts when they're no longer needed. Here’s how to do it right:

Step 1: Identify Unused Accounts

Begin by identifying any break-glass accounts that are no longer in use. Conduct regular audits to check each account's purpose and activity level.

Why it Matters: Dormant accounts can become targets for hackers seeking entry into your system.

Step 2: Verify and Document

Before you remove any account, verify its activity and ensure no ongoing projects rely on it. Document all findings both for record-keeping and to avoid future confusion.

How To Do It: Review logs to see if the account has been used recently and cross-check with project managers.

Step 3: Revoke Privileges Cautiously

With verification complete, begin to revoke privileges cautiously. Instead of outright deletion, consider temporarily disabling the account to observe any unintended consequences.

Why it Matters: A sudden deletion might disrupt workflows if dependent processes were overlooked.

Step 4: Permanently Remove Accounts

Once you've confirmed that disabling the account causes no issues, go ahead to permanently remove it. Ensure all access points are closed, and the account is completely deactivated.

How To Do It: Follow your organization’s removal protocols to ensure thorough elimination.

Step 5: Update Security Policies

Review and update your security policies to reflect the importance of managing break-glass access. This update should include routine audits and clearly defined roles for creating and removing these accounts.

Why it Matters: A well-documented policy helps prevent vulnerabilities and protects company assets.

Enhancing Security Post-De-provisioning

After de-provisioning, strengthening your security measures ensures minimal risk of future breaches:

• Regular Training: Ensure your IT team understands the importance of break-glass account management.
• Automated Tools: Use automated solutions like Hoop.dev to monitor and control user access efficiently.
• Continuous Monitoring: Keep a close watch on access logs and anomalies to detect suspicious activities early.

Removing unnecessary break-glass access not only tightens security but also simplifies your IT environment.

See it Live with Hoop.dev

Managing break-glass access should be straightforward and hassle-free. With Hoop.dev, you can automate and streamline the entire de-provisioning process in just minutes. Gain peace of mind knowing that you're fortifying your security while keeping operations smooth.

Make your security management simpler and more effective. Visit Hoop.dev to learn more and see how our tools can empower your team today.

Following these steps and using reliable tools like Hoop.dev ensures your break-glass access remains under control, reducing risks and paving the way to a more secure digital future.