Framework: The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Top 18 Controls

The remaining safeguards under Control 6 complete the access control lifecycle by ensuring that privileges are continuously monitored, validated, and revoked when no longer required. These safeguards emphasize processes for deprovisioning accounts, enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and maintaining centralized authorization systems. Together, they ensure that identity and access management remain consistent across all enterprise environments—on-premises, cloud, and hybrid. For example, safeguards 6.3 through 6.8 require MFA for administrative and remote access, an inventory of authentication systems, centralized control through Single Sign-On (SSO) or directory services, and defined Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) models. These measures reduce credential abuse, protect administrative functions, and provide a clear chain of accountability for every access decision. By tying authorization tightly to identity verification and logging, enterprises ensure that even if credentials are compromised, attackers face strong resistance at every layer of authentication.

Operationally, these safeguards require continuous alignment between technology and governance. IAM platforms and directory services should integrate with all major enterprise systems, enforcing MFA policies automatically and providing unified visibility into who has access to what. Centralized access logs facilitate detection of anomalies such as login attempts from unusual locations or after-hours activity. Regular access reviews, ideally automated through governance platforms, verify that entitlements reflect current job roles and remove outdated privileges. As part of security operations, MFA tokens, certificates, and passwords must be rotated and managed securely. When employees change roles or depart, deprovisioning workflows must revoke all access immediately to eliminate lingering credentials. Collectively, these remaining safeguards transform access control from static permissions management into a dynamic, risk-based process that adapts as people, systems, and threats evolve.
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