Too Much Access? Why Data Permissions Matter
Here’s a question worth asking: Do you know exactly who in your business can access your most critical data right now?
And just as importantly – do they actually need that access to do their job?
If you’re like many business owners or IT managers, you might assume that access controls are sorted during setup and then forgotten about. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.
Recent studies reveal that around half of employees in businesses have access to far more data than they should.
And that’s a serious concern.
Not only does it increase the chance of intentional misuse, but it also raises the risk of simple human error. When staff can view data they don’t need, the door opens to accidental leaks, compliance issues, and unnecessary security headaches.
This is what’s known as insider risk — the threat posed by people inside your organisation who have access to your systems and information.
Insider risk isn’t always malicious. Far more often, it’s accidental — someone clicks on a dodgy link, shares a file with the wrong person, or retains access after leaving the company. And that’s when problems begin.
A major contributor to this issue is something called “privilege creep.”
That’s when employees gradually gain more access over time — often after role changes, system migrations, or a lack of regular access reviews. The result? People can see and do far more in your systems than they should.
Worryingly, only a small percentage of businesses actively manage this risk. Even more concerning, nearly half admit that former employees still have access to company systems months after leaving. That’s like handing a spare set of office keys to someone who no longer works there.
The fix is adopting a least privilege approach — giving people access only to the data and tools they need to do their jobs, and nothing more. Where possible, use “just-in-time” access, granting temporary permissions only when necessary.
And when someone leaves, revoke access immediately — no exceptions.
In today’s world of cloud platforms, AI tools, and “shadow IT” (where staff use apps without IT oversight), keeping control of access can feel daunting. But it’s achievable with the right systems and regular reviews.
By tightening permissions, monitoring activity, and using automation tools, you can significantly reduce insider risk — without slowing your team down.
Ultimately, protecting your business data isn’t about locking things away. It’s about ensuring the right people have the right access at the right time.
If you’d like advice on how to strengthen your access controls or review your IT security posture, get in touch with GZD today. It’s better to find and fix gaps now than deal with a data breach later.
