There’s an emphasis on the damage unauthorized users cause to computer systems and networks, but that’s only one side of the cyberattack coin. Users with legitimate access also pose a threat. If you don’t lock your doors, an intruder can sneak in. Similarly, unhealthy access privilege practices create loopholes that intruders exploit.

Abusing access privileges endangers your data. Here are some red flags to be mindful of.

1. Using Weak Passwords

You probably have tons of passwords because they are mandatory on most apps. The question isn’t about using them but how you use them. Talking about the need to create strong passwords sounds so cliché. You might have heard it a thousand times, but it can’t be overemphasized.

Criminals are experts at discovering user passwords, especially with hacking techniques such as brute force attacks and credential stuffing. You make it a lot easier for them when your passcodes are weak. It’s even worse when you reuse a single one on multiple accounts. Once they figure out the correct combination, they can access other accounts, riding on the coattails of your access privilege.

If you have a hard time creating complex and unique passwords, use a password manager to simplify the process.

2. Sharing Login Credential With Others

Your login credentials are confidential. When you share them, you expose your personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive data. You may trust the people you give the information to not do anything shady, but that's not really the point. If the data doesn’t slip through their fingers, threat actors could retrieve it. You may not fall for a phishing scam, for example, but your friend might.

There are fewer chances of attackers invading your account when you keep your credentials to yourself. Each time you share your details, you open a channel for possible intrusion. Compromised credentials cause multiple attacks as criminals explore them in identity-based attacks.

3. Ignoring Multi-Factor Authentication

Most applications now offer users the opportunity to add extra layers of security to their accounts with multi-factor authentication. One would think that everyone would make the most of this, but that’s not the case. That's because a lot of people don’t believe they will become victims of cyberattacks.

Cybercriminals are more determined to hack your account than you think. Two-factor authentication is no longer adequate to secure it, let alone single authentication. Grab every means available to secure your account, lest you allow intruders to leverage your access privilege to hack you.

4. Not Implementing Zero Trust Policy

A zero trust policy states that you can’t trust anyone accessing your account on a service. No matter who they are, they must undergo standard security measures. Is your data valuable to that person? Validate all users that want to access it. Verify their authenticity not just once but every time they want to access your account.

Cyber threats aren’t always external as most people think. Insider threats are just as dangerous, whether intentional or unintentional. Examining all users' threat levels with zero trust security practices in mind reduces both external and internal threat vectors.

5. Connecting to Public Wi-Fi

Connecting to public Wi-Fi seems like normal behavior. After all, it’s free for all to use. But if you can’t verify the legitimacy of the network provider, don’t connect to it because there might be a hidden agenda.

Threat actors take advantage of Wi-Fi networks in public areas for malicious activities. They intercept the browsing sessions of connected users with man-in-the-middle attacks. These criminals might even go as far as creating their own networks that look like legitimate ones with evil twin attacks, so they can retrieve users’ data in the background.

Secure Your Access Privileges Against Intruders

Cyberattacks are a game of opportunities. Initiating attacks from scratch can be tedious. Criminals seize the slightest opportunities to compromise accounts. If you don't guard your access privileges judiciously, they'll leap on it. Be cautious of your actions because hackers could be looking over your shoulders.

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