An access control policy defines how your organization manages user identities, authentication, and authorization to systems and data. It's a foundational policy required by SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and other compliance frameworks.
Policy Purpose
This policy establishes standards for managing access to company information systems, applications, and data. It ensures that access is granted based on business need, follows the principle of least privilege, and is properly controlled throughout the user lifecycle.
The policy applies to all employees, contractors, and third parties who access company systems.
Access Principles
Least Privilege: Users receive only the minimum access necessary for their job function
Need to Know: Access to sensitive data is restricted to those with legitimate business need
Separation of Duties: Critical functions are divided among multiple people to prevent fraud
Role-Based Access: Access is assigned through roles, not individual permissions
Default Deny: Access is denied unless explicitly granted
User Lifecycle Management
Onboarding: Access provisioned based on role within 24 hours of start date, approved by manager
Transfers: Access adjusted within 5 business days of role change, old access removed
Offboarding: All access revoked within 4 hours of termination, same day for involuntary terminations
Leave of Absence: Access suspended during extended leave, reactivated upon return
Authentication Requirements
MFA Required: Multi-factor authentication for all systems containing sensitive data
Password Policy: Minimum 12 characters, complexity requirements, no reuse of last 24 passwords
Session Timeout: Automatic logout after 15 minutes of inactivity for sensitive systems
SSO: Single sign-on preferred for all applications where supported
Service Accounts: Dedicated credentials for automated processes, rotated quarterly
Access Reviews
Quarterly Reviews: Managers review and certify team access quarterly
Privileged Access: Admin and elevated access reviewed monthly
Third-Party Access: Vendor access reviewed with each contract renewal
Remediation: Inappropriate access removed within 5 business days of identification