On-boarding and Off-boarding
13 March 2020

The on and off boarding process for users is an important consideration for any IT system. A sound on and off boarding process ensures that users can only access what they need to access, the user is authenticated and access can be revoked as required. The on boarding process ensures that users are authenticated and 'Principle Of Least access Privilege' (POLP) is applied (POLP works by allowing only enough access to perform the role / required task).
The registration / approval process can be segregated by permissions and roles to maintain system (and data) access integrity. System permissions ensure duties are segregated throughout the system and data access. Additionally, when a user has been added, a 2nd step of authentication can be included as required. The off boarding process ensures that data privacy and integrity is maintained - Users should be denied access to the system as soon as their access is no longer relevant.
The prime on and off boarding process and features align with the ISO 27002 Code of Practice (clause 9 'Access Control'), providing effective security practices;
Code of Practice Clause | Sub-Clause | PRiME controls |
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A.9.1 Business requirements of access control | A.9.1.1 Access control policy |
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A.9.1.2 Access to networks and network services | N/A | |
A.9.2 User access management | A.9.2.1 User registration and de-registration |
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A.9.2.2 User access provisioning |
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A.9.2.3 Management of privileged access rights |
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A.9.2.4 Management of secret authentication information of users |
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A.9.2.5 Review of user access rights |
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A.9.2.6 Removal or adjustment of access rights |
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A.9.3 User responsibilities | A.9.3.1 Use of secret authentication information |
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A.9.4 System and application access control | A.9.4.1 Information access restriction |
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A.9.4.2 Secure log on procedures |
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A.9.4.3 Password management system |
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A.9.4.4 Use of privileges utility programs |
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A.9.4.5 Access control to program source code |
On-boarding process
- Register user
- Approve user
- User receives email to set password
- User receives text for authentication
Off-boarding process
- If an email has been bounced to a user then Admin is notified - This may indicate that their work email has been terminated
- Inactive users are moved to the Inactive tab (after 30 days of inactivity)
- After a further period of being in the Inactive tab, the user is deactivated
- The period of inactivity / deactivation can be set in the Admin console to suit an organisation's specific needs