Episode 22 — Enforce least-privilege access across systems and roles
Least privilege is not a slogan in PCI; it is a set of decisions that constrain what an identity can do, where, and when, with proof that those choices are reviewed. This episode clarifies the building blocks: role definitions tied to job functions, group-based access that avoids one-off entitlements, strong authentication for administrative paths, and separation of duties for sensitive operations like key management or configuration promotion. You will learn to distinguish policy assertions from verifiable evidence: access matrices, ticketed approvals with business justifications, and system exports demonstrating that default accounts are disabled and shared credentials are eliminated. The exam tests your ability to recognize overbreadth, such as global admin rights on endpoints granted for convenience, and to select options that constrain scope to the smallest practical surface.
We extend to lifecycle controls because privilege is dynamic. Joiner, mover, and leaver processes must drive timely changes, with automated feeds from HR where possible and recurring certifications where managers attest to ongoing need. Just-in-time elevation with time-bound grants reduces standing risk, and break-glass accounts carry logging and post-use review. Troubleshooting addresses shadow admin paths, like vendor tools with hidden superuser roles, and unmonitored service accounts whose privileges exceed application requirements. Expect scenarios where audit logs reveal access attempts outside approved windows, and the correct choice couples revocation with a root-cause review of role design. The exam favors answers that blend prevention and oversight: narrow roles, strong authentication, documented approvals, periodic recertifications, and logs that show who used which privilege when, producing a system that resists drift and demonstrates control to an assessor. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
