Responsible Administration

In this training, we'll learn how secure and responsible administration helps to protect sensitive data, safeguard critical systems, and mitigate security risks.

Defining Privileged Access

Privileged access refers to the elevated level of permissions and capabilities granted to certain users within an organization, allowing them to access, modify, or control critical systems, sensitive data, and administrative functions.

Is the following statement True or False:
Privileged users don't need to adhere to company policies or procedures

Being in a position of power, privileged users must adhere to the highest ethical standards. Their actions should always align with company policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

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True False

Risks & Challenges

Privileged accounts increase the potential attack surface of an organization, as malicious insiders and cybercriminals can use these accounts to steal sensitive information or even bypass security tools and processes that have been implemented.

What's a potential security impact of having too many privileged users?

Privileged accounts increase the potential attack surface of an organization as malicious insiders and cybercriminals can use these accounts to steal sensitive information or even bypass security tools and processes that have been implemented.

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Administration activities will be easier to perform There's an increased attack surface which cybercriminals may exploit The organization will become more efficient More administrators mean there's more individuals protecting the organization

Tips & Tricks

To stay safe and secure, privileged users should always use multi-factor authentication, use secure communication methods, and remain aware of phishing threats.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be enabled for administrators on all services, applications, and websites they use. Ideally, access should be centralized and controlled through Single-Sign-On (SSO) to reduce the need to manage separate passwords.

Avoid using insecure communication methods like FTP or Telnet, where passwords are communicated in plaintext. Ensure any network communication is encrypted and the certificate used to facilitate the encryption is trusted. Also, avoid the use of untrusted public Wi-Fi networks, but if you must, connect to a VPN.

Administrators are considered a prime target for cybercriminals. Whenever an email, SMS or social media message is received, always ask yourself if the message is expected, if the sender's address appears legitimate and known, and whether the message is asking you to perform an action that seems suspicious (e.g. click on a link).

Practicing Least Privilege

Using least privilege helps to reduce the overall attack surface an organization faces.

When granting users access, they should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their specific job responsibilities, limiting their ability to make unauthorized changes or access sensitive data.

Access permissions need to be based on predefined roles and responsibilities, ensuring that users only have access to the resources and functions required for their specific roles.

It's important to conduct periodic audits to evaluate and update user permissions, removing unnecessary privileges, and ensuring that access rights align with the principle of least privilege, thereby reducing the risk of privilege creep and maintaining a secure environment.

Is the following statement True or False:
When granting users access, it's best to give slightly more access than what is needed.

When granting users access, they should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their specific job responsibilities, limiting their ability to make unauthorized changes or access sensitive data.

View Options Again

True False

Is the following statement True or False:
Access permissions shouldn't be based on predefined roles and responsibilities

Access permissions need to be based on predefined roles and responsibilities, ensuring that users only have access to the resources and functions required for their specific roles.

View Options Again

True False

Is the following statement True or False:
It's important to conduct periodic audits to evaluate and update user permissions

It's important to conduct periodic audits to evaluate and update user permissions, removing unnecessary privileges, and ensuring that access rights align with the principle of least privilege, thereby reducing the risk of privilege creep and maintaining a secure environment.

View Options Again

True False

Wrapping Up

Privileged users hold a position of trust, and with this trust comes responsibilities. As administrators, we must ensure we follow security best practices, organizational policies, and administer ethically.

Responsible Administration

Defining Privileged Access

Is the following statement True or False: Privileged users don't need to adhere to company policies or procedures

Being in a position of power, privileged users must adhere to the highest ethical standards. Their actions should always align with company policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

Risks & Challenges

What's a potential security impact of having too many privileged users?

Privileged accounts increase the potential attack surface of an organization as malicious insiders and cybercriminals can use these accounts to steal sensitive information or even bypass security tools and processes that have been implemented.

Tips & Tricks

Practicing Least Privilege

Is the following statement True or False: When granting users access, it's best to give slightly more access than what is needed.

When granting users access, they should only be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their specific job responsibilities, limiting their ability to make unauthorized changes or access sensitive data.

Is the following statement True or False: Access permissions shouldn't be based on predefined roles and responsibilities

Access permissions need to be based on predefined roles and responsibilities, ensuring that users only have access to the resources and functions required for their specific roles.

Is the following statement True or False: It's important to conduct periodic audits to evaluate and update user permissions

It's important to conduct periodic audits to evaluate and update user permissions, removing unnecessary privileges, and ensuring that access rights align with the principle of least privilege, thereby reducing the risk of privilege creep and maintaining a secure environment.

Wrapping Up

Is the following statement True or False:
Privileged users don't need to adhere to company policies or procedures

Is the following statement True or False:
When granting users access, it's best to give slightly more access than what is needed.

Is the following statement True or False:
Access permissions shouldn't be based on predefined roles and responsibilities

Is the following statement True or False:
It's important to conduct periodic audits to evaluate and update user permissions