Access Management

  • 9 min read

What Are Time Based Access Controls? How To Implement Them?

Rohit Rao

25th February, 2024

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In the dynamic realm of digital security, there's a growing demand for precise and adaptable access controls. That's where time based access controls emerge as a strategic response to modern organizations' intricate requirements. In this guide, we'll understand what are time based access controls, their types, importance, benefits, and how to implement them effectively. 

Let's begin our exploration by first understanding what exactly time based access controls mean. 

What Are Time Based Access Controls?

Time based access controls are security measures that are designed to restrict/limit access to resources based on specific time criteria. These controls enable organizations to establish and enforce access permissions by considering temporal timeframe rules, such as particular hours of the day, specific days of the week, or designated dates.

Furthermore, by implementing time-based access controls, the organization's IT teams can set rules to grant or revoke access from user groups during specified time intervals. This approach ensures that access to sensitive information or crucial systems is only authorized when necessary, minimizing the risk of unauthorized entry outside predefined time frames.

For instance, an organization can use time based access controls to manage employee access to secure data and information. These access control rules can be set to grant users access to an app for a defined duration, such as 1 hour, 12 hours, 1 day, or 1 week. This way, your organization's IT team can ensure employees can only access sensitive data, like customer info or financial details, during certain times set by the company.

However, you also need to familiarize yourself with different types of time based access controls.

3 Types Of Time Based Access Control 

Time based access controls are classified into three distinct types. This categorization will help you understand which type of time based access control to implement to meet your access management control needs:

• Type 1# Absolute Time based Access

Absolute time based access controls are established with specific start and end dates or times. This type of access control is well-suited for situations where network resources are needed only during a particular period. 

For instance, organizations might implement absolute time based access controls to allow their employees access to the internet solely during working hours. This ensures that valuable resources are not accessible to unauthorized users outside the designated times.

• Type 2# Periodic Time Based Access

Periodic time based access controls enable the creation of rules based on recurring schedules, such as daily, weekly, or monthly patterns. These controls are typically used when a user requires periodic but scheduled access to network resources. 

For example, an organization can use periodic time based access controls to provide contractors with VPN remote connectivity every Friday from 6 PM to 10 PM.

• Type 3# Recurring Time Based Access 

Recurring time based access controls differ slightly from periodic time based access since they are created using intervals rather than exact dates or times. They offer more flexibility than other access control types as you can set up rules/criteria based on days or weeks from specific events like account creation or password resets. 

Furthermore, recurring time based access controls are a great solution for scenarios where users need temporary access to network resources regularly, such as granting VPN remote connectivity to remote workers for 7 consecutive days after they return from vacation.

Now that you are familiar with what time based access controls are and their types, let’s understand why it's important. 

Why Are Time Based Access Controls Important?

Time based access controls play a crucial role in managing access within an organization. It allows your IT team to have complete control over when your employees can access the organization's resources during a specific time frame. For instance, if an organization aims to regulate internet access for employees on weekdays or limit server access during specific hours on weekends, time based access control can be used to tailor access to the internet or servers as needed.

This enhances security by reducing exposure to potential threats during inactive hours and contributes to the judicious use of network resources. Time based access controls foster a more secure and optimized network environment by reserving internet bandwidth for work-related tasks during business hours.

In simpler terms, time based access control is important because it enables precise control over granting, restricting, or revoking access within specified time frames. This user access control helps enhance authority (control) and minimizes the likelihood of a security breach.

However, that's not all, time based access control has several advantages. Let's explore a few of them. 

Benefits Of Time Based Access Controls for Enterprises

Here are some of the notable benefits of time based access controls:

• Enhanced Security:

Time based access control contributes to improved security by enabling organizations to regulate traffic on a schedule. By allowing or blocking traffic during specific timeframes, such as outside working hours, your IT team can minimize exposure to potential threats, enhancing overall cybersecurity.

• Optimized Bandwidth Management:

Through time based IT access control, your IT team can effectively manage bandwidth by restricting certain types of traffic during peak hours. This approach prioritizes critical applications over non-essential ones, ensuring that essential functions receive optimal bandwidth utilization and reducing the risk of congestion during high-demand periods.

• Streamlined Configuration Process:

Leveraging time based access controls with pre-existing infrastructure provides a more straightforward configuration process. Instead of investing in new solutions for traffic management, organizations can optimize their existing setup. This not only simplifies the overall configuration process but also ensures maximum security and performance without the need for additional, complex implementations.

After going through time based access controls importance and benefits, now you may be willing to implement it in your organization. But how do you implement time based access control? Here’s how.

How To Implement Time Based Access Controls?

To implement time based access controls in your organization effectively, you need to follow the 5 below mentioned steps: 

• Step 1# Define Access Guidelines: 

Specify your organization's time based access needs for different user roles, systems, and resources. This involves determining when access should be allowed or denied.

• Step 2# Establish Time Based Regulations: 

Set up regulations and timetables that dictate when users can or cannot access resources within defined time frames. This may involve configuring access control lists, user group preferences, or other settings.

• Step 3# Automate Access Management Process: 

Use automation tools that support time based access controls. These tools facilitate the streamlined management of user access rights according to predetermined time based regulations, incorporating automated provisioning and deprovisioning.

• Step 4# Regularly Assess And Revise Access Guidelines: 

Consistently review and update your time based access control guidelines to align with evolving business demands and security needs. This involves conducting access review, modifying user permissions, and eliminating unnecessary or outdated access regulations.

• Step 5# Monitor And Audit Access Activities: 

Introduce monitoring and auditing mechanisms to monitor access events and ensure adherence to regulations. This assists in identifying any unauthorized access attempts or irregularities in access patterns.

By thoroughly following these steps, organizations can effectively enforce time based access controls while ensuring that users obtain appropriate authorized access to resources based on established time parameters. This proactive approach enhances security by limiting access during specific time intervals, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and potential security incidents.

But how to ensure data safety after this implementation process? Well, you can implement a time based security model. What is that? How does it work?

Time-Based Security Model: A Security Framework To Ensure Data Integrity

A time-based security model enables a company to evaluate whether they have effective measures in place for detecting a breach or not. It implements a system to fix the issue faster than the time it would take for a hacker to infiltrate the system. 

Here's a formula that is used in a time-based security model. 

Time Based Security Model: P (penetration by hacker) > D (detection by company) + C (correction by company)

If the time taken for a hacker to breach ("P") the system exceeds the combined time for the company to detect ("D") and correct ("C") the issue, the hacker's attempt will be unsuccessful. 

For example, a hacker takes 25 minutes to infiltrate the system. On the company's end, it takes 5 minutes to detect the breach and 12 minutes to rectify the system to thwart the hack. Applying the formula, the hacker requires 25 minutes for penetration, while the company takes only 17 minutes to detect and correct the system. Therefore, according to the time based security model, the company can effectively prevent hackers from infiltrating the system.

Now, let's understand how to maintain a time based access control policy. 

How To Maintain Time Based Access Control Policy? 

Maintaining a time based access control policy includes certain key steps to ensure its effectiveness and relevance over time. Here's a guide on how to maintain such a policy:

• Regularly Review And Update Policy:

Periodically review the time based access control policy to assess its alignment with current organizational needs and security requirements. Update the policy as necessary to reflect changes in technology, personnel, or business operations.

• Have A Clear Cut Policy Communication:

Ensure that all stakeholders, including employees and administrators, are well-informed about the time based access control policy. Effective communication helps in fostering awareness and compliance.

• Conduct Regular Training:

Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees and other stakeholders on the importance of adhering to the time based access control policy. Training helps employees understand the procedures and guidelines, reducing the likelihood of inadvertent policy violations.

• Monitor Access Events:

Implement monitoring mechanisms to continuously track access events and adherence to the time based policy. Regularly analyze access logs and reports to identify any anomalies or potential issues.

• Integrate With Appropriate Technology:

Stay informed of technological advancements that can enhance the implementation of time based access controls. Consider integrating new tools or technologies that can streamline policy enforcement and improve overall security.

• Opt For Feedback Mechanism:

Set a feedback mechanism to gather input from users, IT teams, and other stakeholders. This input can be valuable in identifying areas where the policy can be enhanced or adjusted for better usability and effectiveness.

• Document Each And Every Thing Related To The Policy:

Maintain comprehensive documentation of the time based access control rules/policy, including any updates or changes. Keep records of training sessions, audits, and incident responses for reference and compliance purposes.

Now, let's delve into why implementing time based access controls stands out as an optimal security measure. As you navigate the intricacies of implementation and monitoring, it's crucial to grasp the security benefits of this approach.

Why Are Time Based Access Controls A Security Best Practice?

Time based access controls are considered as a best security practice because of the following reasons: 

• Strengthens Security:

By restricting access to designated timeframes, you can minimize the risk of unauthorized access during vulnerable periods, thereby reducing the attack surface and enhancing overall security.

• Helps Adhere To Compliances:

Time based access controls aid organizations in meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards that mandate controlled access to sensitive information. This ensures compliance with established guidelines.

• Flexibility in Access Management:

Time based access controls provide flexibility by allowing your IT team to grant temporary access to contractors, partners, or vendors during specific time periods. This flexibility eliminates the need for continuous oversight while maintaining security.

The implementation of time based access controls typically involves configuring access policies within identity governance (IGA), identity and access management, or access control systems. Organizations can define rules aligned with their specific security and operational needs and enforce them through suitable technologies or solutions.

Implement Time-Based Access Controls To Enhance Access Management

In conclusion, implementing time-based access controls is a pivotal strategy in fortifying security protocols. By aligning access permissions with specific time parameters, IT teams can effectively manage and mitigate potential risks. This proactive approach not only bolsters protection against unauthorized access but also aligns with dynamic operational requirements. Embracing time-based access controls is a strategic move towards a more resilient and adaptable security framework in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 

However, it’s important to note that time-based access control implementation can be a complex process. Fortunately, to streamline the enforcement process, solutions like Zluri come as a great help. 

Zluri offers an access management solution that is designed to assist your IT team in automating and simplifying various identity & access management related tasks. This includes setting up, changing, and removing access (basically enabling your team to control access), enforcing access control rules, and ensuring compliance with regulations. For example, Usually, the IT team will grant them access and forget about it; they don't proceed further and revoke access after completion of the duration and task. However, this negligence can become a root cause of security breaches and has a far-reaching impact on critical data. 

So Zluri’s access management securely meets this access requirement by enabling your IT team to grant employees temporary or just-in-time access to required applications for a specific period of time. Further, once the duration is completed, it automatically revokes the access permissions from the employee without any delay with the help of its auto-remediation capability. So, your IT team no longer has to worry about keeping track of dates to revoke access. 

Not only that, Zluri's access management actively monitors access entitlements to assess whether any users possess more permissions than necessary. Upon identifying issues or violations, you or your IT team can promptly adjust the user's access permissions. This ensures that only authorized users maintain the appropriate level of access, proactively preventing potential security concerns stemming from employees holding excessive permissions.

Also, it conducts timely audits and generates reports to effectively identify unauthorized users or those with access to critical applications bearing a high-risk profile. This proactive approach enables the implementation of measures to safeguard sensitive SaaS application data against potential security breaches.

So now that you know how Zluri access management helps effectively enforce access control policies , why not book a demo now? And experience it firsthand. 

FAQ

What Are Access Controls?

Access controls are security measures that manage who’s permitted to access and utilize company information and resources. These controls are implemented to safeguard data, resources, and sensitive information from unauthorized access. Access controls typically involve authentication and authorization processes to ensure that only authorized individuals or systems are granted entry or permission to perform specific actions.

What Are The Three Types Of Access Control?

The three types of access control are attribute-based access control (ABAC), role-based access control (RBAC), and discretionary access control (DAC). 

What Are Access Control Attacks?

Access control attacks involve tactics that aim to bypass or overcome security measures to steal crucial data or user credentials. In these instances, attackers aim to compromise access control by gathering user credentials, enabling them to log in as authorized users and gain access to their resources.

About the author

Rohit Rao

Rohit works in the Community and Marketing Team of Zluri and is a strong advocate of community led growth.