Biometric Security For Offices

📢 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮 is extending 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆‑𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 access controls directly to the core of 𝗼𝗻‑𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 infrastructure: 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀. 🆔 🔒 The new 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 is now in 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄, enabling organizations to apply 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 and 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶‑𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗠𝗙𝗔) to internal resources authenticating via 𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀. 🛡️ 🛠️ By deploying a lightweight 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 on domain controllers, organizations can intercept 𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀 authentication and enforce 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 — even for protocols that don’t natively support them — eliminating 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 inside the network perimeter. 🛡️ 🏢 This ensures consistent protection across 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲, 𝗼𝗻‑𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀, and 𝗵𝘆𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱 environments, while keeping 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 local for performance and sending 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 to Entra for 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 📡 🧩 This capability also unlocks 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 (𝗜𝗧𝗗𝗥) for hybrid users, verifying every 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁, blocking 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, and enforcing 𝗠𝗙𝗔 at the domain controller layer for sensitive on‑premises 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 🕵️♂️ 📊 Admins can define 𝗦𝗣𝗡‑𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 — for example, requiring MFA for `cifs/*` file shares, enabling compliant device access to `MSSQL/*` servers, or applying step‑up authentication for critical 𝗥𝗗𝗣 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀. 📂 ✅ Built‑in flexibility supports phased rollouts with 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝗦𝗣𝗡 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, and 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲 for emergencies — ensuring 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 without disrupting 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 🧯 📌 This approach delivers 𝗼𝗻‑𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗙𝗔 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 without third‑party 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 or complex 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀, modernizing 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 for 𝗵𝘆𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 while integrating seamlessly with existing 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 🔗 👉 Discover how to start testing today: https://lnkd.in/ea3hMGgH 🔗 Microsoft Security #Cybersecurity #ZeroTrust #MicrosoftEntra #IdentitySecurity #ConditionalAccess #MFA #ITDR #NetworkSecurity #AccessControl #Kerberos #ActiveDirectory #ZTNA #SecurityServiceEdge #IdentityProtection | Ashish Jain, Yann Duchenne, Franck Heilmann

🔒 Why Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Matters More Than Ever A WSJ article by James Rundle, Catherine Stupp and Kim Nash highlights a key factor behind many cyber breaches: the lack of multifactor authentication (MFA) on critical systems. Despite being a foundational security measure, MFA is only sometimes implemented due to perceived inconvenience and oversight. The consequences of this oversight can be costly, as highlighted by recent breaches at major companies. "In our current threat landscape, if you’re not using MFA anywhere it’s available, you’d better be ready to explain why,” said Jacob Williams of IANS Research. The article details how failures to implement MFA have led to significant breaches at companies like Snowflake and UnitedHealth Group, costing billions in damages. CISA advocates a secure-by-design approach, pushing vendors to incorporate security features like MFA by default. For years, CISA has also promoted the adoption of MFA by end users. “It’s kind of amazing that ease and speed continue to trump security—which always costs too much until it’s not enough," observed Frank Cilluffo, Director of the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security. Ensuring MFA is consistently applied can prevent costly breaches and enhance overall cybersecurity. The WSJ article can be found at: https://lnkd.in/eNJ_8Yns #cybersecurity #CISA #technology #informationsecurity

Just training employees on password security & hygiene is not enough. Even strong passwords can get compromised. Training & adoption has to move up a level towards Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). Organization-wide. Here are 5 best-practices for CISOs in rolling out MFA successfully. 1) Start with high-risk users & critical apps - Enforce MFA first for privileged users (IT admins, finance, HR) - Secure business-critical apps like email, ERP & cloud platforms 2) Educate employees before enforcing MFA - Prevent resistance by explaining benefits of MFA - Show how simple it is to use with step-by-step guidance 3) Offer multiple MFA options for flexibility - Biometrics may not be possible for someone - Evaluate biometrics, security keys, mobile apps & OTPs 4) Enable adaptive MFA for smarter security - Stronger authentication for risky logins (new device, location, behavior) - Reduce employee fatigue by avoiding unnecessary prompts 5) Monitor & review MFA logs regularly - Detect & investigate failed MFA attempts - These could be failed attackers MFA is a must-have now. If you're a mid-market CISO planning to rollout MFA / change your MFA, we can help. DM me & I will gladly assist you along with my team with a demo. ---- Hi, I’m Rajeev Mamidanna. I help mid-market CISOs strengthen their Cyber Immunity

Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) – A Future Path for Next-Generation Access Control In the security industry, we constantly evaluate new technologies—Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID have all shaped how we exchange data. But there’s another, quieter technology that may be a future game-changer for secure credentials: Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI). What is NFMI? NFMI uses low-frequency magnetic fields—not traditional broadcast radio waves—to transmit data between devices. Its range is intentionally short (centimeters to a couple of meters), creating a “magnetic bubble” where communication occurs only when devices are physically close. Why This Could Shape the Future of Access Control: Harder to Skim or Relay – Traditional RFID and Bluetooth credentials can be intercepted or relayed from a distance. NFMI’s tiny communication bubble makes this extremely difficult. Selective Activation – Readers only engage when detecting a credential’s magnetic field signature, reducing signal leakage risks. Reliable in Harsh Environments – Performs well in metal-heavy door frames, turnstiles, and RF-interference zones. Power Efficient – Ideal for battery-powered or embedded readers in discreet locations. How NFMI Could Work in an Access Control System Credential Device – The user carries an NFMI-enabled fob, smart badge, or wearable. Proximity Trigger – Within a few centimeters, the credential and reader create a secure magnetic link—no open-air RF broadcast. Encrypted Data Transfer – Data is exchanged via magnetic coupling directly to the reader’s coil antenna. Verification – The access control panel checks the credentials against its database and grants or denies entry. Layered Security – Can integrate with PINs, biometrics, or mobile app confirmations. High-Security Potential Government / DoD Facilities – Reduced TEMPEST concerns and RF leakage. Critical Infrastructure – Works where other wireless tech struggles. Healthcare – Secure staff and patient data without long-range wireless emissions. Corporate HQs – Mitigates drive-by credential harvesting. Why It’s Worth Watching NFMI isn’t widely deployed in physical access control—yet. But its unique combination of short-range communication, low detectability, and interference resistance makes it a strong candidate for future security deployments, especially in high-risk or RF-sensitive environments. As security threats evolve, NFMI could become a cornerstone technology for protecting credentials and communications. Do you see NFMI as the next leap in secure access? #SecurityTechnology #NFMI #WirelessSecurity #AccessControl #PhysicalSecurity #SecureComms #SecurityDesign #FutureTech

Did you know? Microsoft Entra Conditional Access lets you configure two types of risk policies to automatically respond to identity threats: • Sign-In Risk Policy: Requires multifactor authentication for Medium/High-risk sign-ins to verify user identity. • User Risk Policy: Prompts High-risk users for a secure password change with multifactor authentication. Useful Tips: • Exclude break-glass accounts to avoid accidental lockouts. • Use report-only mode to test policies before enforcing. • Enable password writeback for hybrid users to support secure remediation. By implementing Conditional Access risk policies, you enable smarter, automated defenses against identity-based threats while maintaining a seamless user experience. #microsoftsecurity #entraid #conditionalaccess #RyansRecaps

On November 1, 2025, two important updates of the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Cybersecurity Regulation amendments (23 NYCRR Part 500) go into effect. These updates are part of the Second Amendment finalized in 2023, and they introduce several new requirements for covered entities. "Covered entities" include banks, insurance companies, mortgage lenders, and money transmitters.  While these rules apply to all covered entities, some larger "Class A" companies have additional requirements, and some smaller companies are exempt from specific provisions based on thresholds for employee count, gross annual revenue, or total assets. If you are not sure whether, or to what extent, your organization is covered by the NYDFS Cyber rules, this flow chart is helpful: https://lnkd.in/ezHGYEuR 🔐 Key Requirements Effective November 1, 2025 1. Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) By November 1, 2025, most covered entities must meet the following MFA requirements:  A. Universal MFA: All individuals must use MFA when accessing the entity's information systems, including employees, contractors, and third-party service providers. Previously, MFA was only required for external access to internal systems. B. System and network access: MFA is required for remote access to the entity's internal networks and for remote access to third-party or cloud applications that store non-public information. C. Compensating controls: A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) may approve the use of equivalent or more secure compensating controls in writing, but this approval must be reviewed at least annually. More information about the MFA requirement is available here: https://lnkd.in/eP-Y8BsB. Here is a video on the topic: https://lnkd.in/epqvg8vc 2. Comprehensive Asset Inventory Covered entities must implement written policies and procedures to maintain an accurate and documented asset inventory. This involves:  A. Comprehensive inventory: The inventory must track all information system assets, including both hardware and software. B. Key asset information: Policies must include a method for tracking key information for each asset. This includes the asset's owner, location, classification or sensitivity, and support expiration date. C. Updates and validation: Procedures must specify the frequency for updating and validating the asset inventory. More information about NYDFS' cybersecurity rules is available here: https://lnkd.in/eszXuVjd. You can sign up for emails on the topic from NYDFS here: https://lnkd.in/eKiU4Cu8

After years in IAM, I've observed that one of our biggest security challenges isn't sophisticated cyber attacks - it's the gradual accumulation of access rights that outlive their purpose. What is privilege creep? It's the natural accumulation of access rights as employees change roles, join temporary projects, or take on new responsibilities - without proper cleanup of old permissions. Common scenarios I encounter: • Access rights remaining after role transitions • Project-based permissions outlasting the project • Emergency access becoming permanent • Inherited permissions from merged systems/teams Why this matters: 1.Security Impact - Each unnecessary privilege increases potential attack surfaces - Access sprawl makes governance more complex - Complicates incident response and forensics 2. Operational Challenges - Harder to maintain least-privilege principles - Complex access reviews and audits - Difficulty in tracking access justification 3. Compliance Considerations - Many frameworks require regular access reviews - Need for documented access justification - Clean audit trails become essential What's working in practice: •Regular access certification reviews • Clear documentation of temporary access • Role-based access control with time limits • Automated detection of unused privileges Privilege management isn't about perfection- it's about continuous improvement and awareness. Interested in discussing practical approaches to managing access sprawl? Share your experiences below.

Access Control System – More Than Just a Door Lock Most people think access control is just a card reader on the wall… But in reality, it’s a complete system working behind every secured door. 🚪 What Actually Happens? Card / Biometric → Panel verifies → ✔ Door unlocks (EM Lock releases) ✔ Event logged in server 👉 Simple outside… complex inside. 🔌 What’s Behind the Door? • Reader (RFID / Biometric / Face) • EM Lock • Exit Push Button (RTE) • Break Glass Unit (BGU) • Door Sensor • Access Control Panel (ACP) • Server connectivity (RS-485 / TCP-IP) ⚙️ Why Systems Fail on Site From real experience 👇 • Door alignment issues → lock failure • Cable joints by labour → signal loss • Wrong cable length → voltage drop • Improper routing → damage in moving doors • Power fluctuation → controller faults 📊 Engineering Matters • Proper cable selection (FRLS, shielding) • Length & voltage drop calculation • Amplifier / power sizing • Clean termination & testing 🔗 Integration • Fire Alarm → Doors unlock in emergency • CCTV → Event-based recording • BMS → Central monitoring 🔥 Key Insight 👉 Access control is not about hardware… It’s about execution, wiring, and integration 💬 #Let’s #Discuss What’s the most common issue you’ve faced in access control doors on site? #AccessControl #SecuritySystems #ELV #Engineering #FacilityManagement #SmartBuildings #SiteExecution #SecurityEngineering

They fired 40 people in the last 5 years. NONE of them had their system access removed. Here's the full story: I spoke to a COO of a retail firm this year who had completed an internal audit. They'd just found 40 active user accounts tied to ex-employees. With only a couple hundred employees, that meant 20% of their user accounts belonged to people who already left. Hearing that as a security leader was terrifying. Theoretically, dozens of ex-employees could still log into the system and do whatever they wanted – and the company had no idea. If HR aren't informing IT about who’s left, it raises even bigger concerns: • Payroll didn’t know either (meaning ex-employees might still be getting paid) • Expense systems weren’t updated (potential for fraud) • Other access systems were outdated (huge internal risk) It all comes back to a simple process that every business thinks they're doing properly, but often aren't: Joiners, Movers, and Leavers. Here’s how it’s supposed to work: → When people join, give them the access they require. → When they change roles, remove and grant as needed. → When they leave, immediately strip all access. Sounds simple, right? In practice, most companies completely mess this up. And Movers pose the biggest risk: they keep collecting access privileges over the years like a digital hoarder. I've seen 10-year veterans with access to systems they haven’t touched in nearly a decade. Companies are great at granting more access… but terrible at removing what's no longer needed. If that statement resonates, here’s how to start tightening things up: 1. Only grant access after an employee actually shows up for Day 1. 2. Review and prune permissions every time someone changes roles. 3. Revoke all access the second someone exits (especially for high-risk dismissals). 4. Conduct regular spot checks for employee access. Access = risk. The more access someone has, the greater the damage they can create (accidentally or maliciously). So, review this access every time someone joins, changes roles, or leaves. Your organisation’s security — and reputation — depends on it. — How does your company handle offboarding today? Would love to hear if you've spotted any gaps in the process.

Dear IT Auditors, How to Test User Access Reviews Effectively User access controls protect systems from misuse and data exposure. But the real test of maturity lies in how organizations review and certify access over time. Many fail this test because reviews are treated as routine checkboxes instead of control activities that prevent risk. 📌 Start with Policy and Frequency Confirm there’s a documented policy defining who reviews access, how often, and for which systems. If frequency or scope isn’t defined, reviews lose meaning. 📌 Assess the Review Process Understand how reviews are triggered, performed, and recorded. Is the process automated or manual? Do reviewers understand what they’re approving? 📌 Check Reviewer Accountability The right reviewers must validate access. Managers often approve lists without verifying if users still need access. That’s not an effective control. 📌 Validate Supporting Evidence Ask for proof of completed reviews, exported user lists, approval records, or tool reports. Look for sign-offs showing who performed the review and when. 📌 Sample and Test Accuracy Select samples and trace whether access rights align with job roles. Pay attention to dormant accounts, transferred employees, and contractors whose access wasn’t removed on time. 📌 Test Timeliness of Removals After terminations or role changes, how fast is access removed? Delayed deprovisioning is a frequent and serious finding. 📌 Evaluate Automation and Monitoring Automated user provisioning and recertification tools reduce manual errors. Check if they integrate with HR systems to detect changes in real time. Effective access reviews protect against internal fraud, data leaks, and compliance failures. They’re not paperwork; they’re proof that only the right people can reach critical assets. #ITAudit #AccessControl #UserAccessReview #InternalAudit #GRC #RiskManagement #ITControls #TechGovernance #Assurance #AuditLeadership #CyberVerge #CyberYard