What is unauthorized access?

What is unauthorized access?

Unauthorized access is typically committed by hackers, and sometimes unwitting users. Someone who already has access to a system could accidentally stumble upon unsecured files that weren’t meant for their eyes. Either way, someone having access to unauthorized computer systems or data is typically a violation of a company or businesses’ security and privacy policy.

People can gain unauthorized access through a whole number of reasons, some as simple as a user accidentally guessing a password for sensitive files or data. Others, however, can be sophisticated attacks that take weeks of planning and could even involve corporate espionage. Cybercriminals could even go so far with their deception to gain enough trust to be an authorized person.

Risks of unauthorized access

The risks of unauthorized access are severe enough to warrant immediate protection. Those who specifically seek out accessing unauthorized spaces usually do so for one of the following purposes:

• Disrupt electronic systems. Some hackers just want to be an annoyance or play pranks. Accessing unauthorized data is a good way for them to instantly have a company or business forced into high-alert, and potentially instigate a shutdown of all systems.
• Harm the target. Unauthorized data is usually sensitive and could be damaging or damaging to the victim. If someone without permission gains access, they can cause a major headache for the victim, including instigating a data breach.
• Steal data. Stealing data is probably the most common way someone would want to access unauthorized data. Once the data is stolen, it can be used to hold a person, business, or company ransom. Exposed and stolen credentials are often the first victim of a data breach.
• Cause physical damage. Depending on the systems accessed without permission, a hacker can cause physical damage to devices connected to the network.

What is the long-term damage of unauthorized access?

The damages that are caused from a bad actor gaining access to unauthorized systems can be long-term and wide ranging. Here’s a list of reminders of why it’s of paramount importance to prevent unauthorized access.

• Damage to the reputation of the company. Depending on how public facing the victim’s company or business is, it could cause a loss of trust among its users or customers. Lose enough trust, and users will move on to another platform.
• Government fines. In most parts of the world, many organizations and companies need to adhere to a specific set of online security measures and regulations. If your systems are weak enough that someone gained unauthorized access and caused damage to potentially thousands of people, it could result in the government or security agencies coming down hard on your company with a heavy fine.
• Fallout costs. Not only do you risk government fines after someone has gained unauthorized access, but you will also have to pay for repairs and business down time. To compound the problem even more, you may even have to pay out to the various victims who were affected by shoddy cybersecurity. Reparations could cost upwards of tens of millions of dollars.

Unauthorized access examples

Unauthorized access, most of the time, will involve only electronic systems. Criminals, however, can sometimes use physical access to get where they shouldn’t be.

Access card theft. The act of stealing someone’s access card technically counts as unauthorized access. The criminal could then steal the office’s laptops or physically damage any computer framework. Physical security measures will need to be taken to prevent this from happening.

Exploiting security vulnerabilities. Hackers tend to be skilled and patient. By meticulously exploring a company’s digital network, a hacker could figure out exactly where the weak points are and exploit them. This job is even easier if the victim doesn’t have any cybersecurity tools at their disposal.

Social engineering. Social engineering is the act of tricking someone into doing something harmful to themselves or their devices. All it takes is a researched and well-crafted email or duplicate website to trick someone into giving away their username and password. Modern cybercrime is rife with social engineering, and the best way to prevent falling victim to it is knowledge.

Tips to detect and prevent unauthorized access

Luckily, preventing unauthorized personnel from accessing something they shouldn’t isn’t too hard. All it takes is a healthy knowledge of cybersecurity practices and the application of a few cybersecurity tools.

Tip 1. Enact a strong and complex password policy

It’s a well-known fact that not only should you never use the word “password” as a password but that it is also simultaneously the most used password. It would take a hacker less than a second to figure out some of the most common passwords. Never use dates of birth, never use anything identifying to yourself or your family, and always make sure to include a range of different letters, numbers and symbols.

Invest in a password manager like NordPass. It will automatically create strong passwords and even store them in an encrypted vault only authorized users can access. It will also conveniently autofill the password without the need for a user to painfully type it out.

Tip 2. Regular security practice reminders and checks

The best way to drill in new practices is with routine. If you run a business with several employees, they need to be reminded that cybersecurity starts with the physical. Make sure to keep your devices and computers locked whenever you aren’t using them. Never write passwords down on a physical note. Don’t have sensitive documentation out in the open.

A simple reminder to all users of these security practices on a regular basis will strengthen your cybersecurity significantly. An employee up to date with the correct knowledge can be the best form of defense.

Tip 3. Smart data storage

One of the most effective methods of preventing unauthorized access is to reduce the number of devices that have access to the sensitive data. For example, if you remove the ability for mobile devices like phones or tablets to gain access to certain parts of a network, you remove the risk of unauthorized access itself. Data protection can be as easy as reducing the access privileges of a device.

If the device does have access, it could be another potential attack vector for a hacker.

Tip 4. Pay attention to user activity

Unfortunately, many data breaches and damage caused by someone gaining unauthorized access come from internal users. The motivation could range from an unfortunate misunderstanding to full blown corporate espionage with the intent to cause as much damage as possible.

Keeping an eye on user activity makes it easier to detect the telltale signs of someone looking to cause havoc.

Tip 5. Secure all endpoints

An endpoint is any location where a user can gain access to a computer network or system. Installing antivirus software on every endpoint is a must, as is a virtual private network. The antivirus will remove and detect malware, and the VPN will keep prying eyes from spying on user activity.

Once a cybercriminal realizes how many security measures have been put in place, they’ll move on to easier prey. Ultimately, preventing unauthorized access isn’t a one-and-done situation. Robust defenses involve an endless process of cybersecurity upkeep that can be made a lot easier with the application of several security tools and services.