Here’s a question many business owners haven’t asked lately:
Do you know who can access your most critical business data right now?
And even more importantly — do they actually need that access to do their job?
For a lot of organizations, permissions are set once and rarely reviewed. But new research shows that almost half of employees have more access than they should.
That’s a big deal. And not just because of malicious intent — but because mistakes happen.
What Is Insider Risk and Why It Matters for Your Business
We often think of cyber threats as something that comes from the outside — hackers, scams, ransomware. But there’s another major concern growing inside organizations: insider risk.
Insider risk refers to the potential harm caused by people within your business — employees, contractors, or even former staff — who still have access to your systems.
Sometimes it’s deliberate, but more often, it’s accidental.
A simple mistake like sharing the wrong file, clicking the wrong link, or forgetting to remove access can create serious consequences — data loss, compliance violations, or a damaged reputation.
The Hidden Dangers of Excess Data Access
One of the biggest challenges businesses face is managing who can see what.
When people have access to more data than they need, you increase your exposure to insider risk — even when intentions are good.
For example, an employee might download reports they don’t need or view sensitive information outside their role.
And in many businesses, former staff still have access to company accounts months after leaving — a massive and often overlooked security hole.
How “Privilege Creep” Increases Insider Risk
There’s a name for this gradual build-up of unnecessary access: privilege creep.
It happens when employees change roles, join new projects, or are granted temporary access that’s never revoked.
Over time, permissions pile up, giving users far more access than they need.
This is like leaving every door in your office unlocked — not because you meant to, but because no one checked.
Best Practices for Managing User Access in Microsoft 365 and Beyond
The good news is, insider risk can be managed.
Start with a clear process for user access management across your systems, including Microsoft 365, cloud apps, and any third-party platforms your team uses.
Schedule regular access reviews to ensure that permissions match job roles. Use multi-factor authentication and limit administrative privileges to reduce exposure.
And when employees leave — remove access immediately, everywhere.
Managed IT support for BC businesses.
Why “Least Privilege” Is Key to Data Access Security
The most effective way to reduce insider risk is by following the principle of least privilege — granting employees only the access they need, and nothing more.
Pair this with just-in-time access, which provides temporary elevated permissions only when required.
This approach keeps your systems agile and secure without slowing your team down.
How to Reduce Insider Risk with Automated Access Reviews
As workplaces rely more on cloud platforms, AI tools, and remote access, it’s easy for “invisible IT” to creep in — software your team uses that IT might not even know about.
That’s why automated access reviews and identity management tools are essential. They flag unused accounts, remove stale permissions, and give you full visibility into who has access to what.
This proactive approach keeps your data protected while maintaining productivity and compliance.
Partner with a Local IT Expert to Protect Your Data in BC
Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology — it’s about trust.
At SkySail Technologies, we help businesses across the Okanagan and BC Interior stay secure with proactive access management, compliance-ready solutions, and managed IT services that just work.
If you’re unsure who can access your systems, now’s the time to find out.
We’ll help you lock down your data before it becomes a problem — not after.
