Insider Security Threats: Protecting Your Software Environment

Test User Credentials

Test user credentials are essential for system testing and development, but they can become a significant security risk if not managed properly. Each use case should have unique and regularly updated test credentials. Allowing employees to reuse outdated test credentials can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. For example, once a project involving a 'Test Loan Officer' role concludes, the associated credentials should be immediately deactivated. This ensures that no employee can log in with those credentials, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and maintaining a secure testing environment.

Aged Users

User accounts that have been inactive for more than 30 days present a potential security threat. These accounts may belong to employees who have left the organization or who have become disengaged. It's crucial to require users who haven't logged in within this timeframe to contact IT for reactivation. This not only prevents potential security breaches due to lost or compromised devices but also ensures that only active and engaged employees have access to the system. Additionally, removing stale credentials helps minimize the risk of unauthorized access from former employees or external threats.

Shared User Accounts

Shared user accounts, often created for general purposes, can significantly undermine security. When multiple individuals use the same credentials, it becomes challenging to track actions and identify the source of changes in the audit trail. For instance, if an account labeled with only a company name is used by several employees, pinpointing responsibility for specific activities becomes nearly impossible. To mitigate this risk, ensure that each user has a unique account with appropriate access levels. This enhances accountability and provides a clear audit trail, essential for maintaining system integrity and addressing security incidents effectively.