Manage authorisation matrix

An Authorisation Matrix, also known as an Access Control Matrix (TCM), is a structured representation of the rights or privileges assigned to different users or groups for accessing various resources within an organization’s information systems. It essentially determines who can do what and where within the organisation’s IT environment.

The Authorisation Matrix usually consists of two main dimensions:

  1. Subjects: Subjects represent users, groups, roles, or entities requesting access to resources. These can be employees, contractors, administrators, or other individuals with access rights.
  2. Objects: Objects represent the resources or data being accessed. These can be files, databases, applications, network devices, or other system components.

The matrix cells contain the specific access rights (e.g., read, write, execute, delete) that each subject has for each object. Entries in the matrix can be marked “allow” or “deny” to indicate whether access is permitted or denied.

Reasons to implement an Authorization Matrix:

Security

The Authorisation Matrix helps enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring users only have access to the resources they actually need to perform their tasks. This reduces the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.

Compliance

Many industry regulations and data protection laws (such as GDPR and HIPAA) require organisations to maintain strict control over data access. An authorisation matrix helps comply with these regulations by showing who has access to sensitive information.

Efficiency

As organisations grow, managing access rights can become complex and error-prone. An Authorisation Matrix provides a clear and centralised overview of access rights, making it easier to control and audit access privileges.

Access management

Authorisation matrices help establish an organised and structured approach to access management. They provide better control and visibility into access-related activities, streamlining access management processes.

Risk management

By regularly reviewing and updating the Authorsation Matrix, organisations can proactively identify and mitigate potential access-related risks. This ensures that access rights are aligned with the organisation’s changing needs and requirements.