Protecting data and computer systems has become essential. With the surge in cyberattacks and remote working becoming part of everyday life, it is important to ensure that only the right people have access to company resources. There’s no question of letting just anyone in! This is where conditional access comes in to secure connections and protect company data.
What is conditional access?
Conditional access is an intelligent security solution that allows you to define rules for accessing a company’s resources according to context and risk. Imagine you are attending a concert: your standard ticket gives you access to the main hall, but to enter the VIP area, you need a wristband of a specific color. In IT, it’s the same thing: a simple password may be enough for basic access, but to access sensitive data, other criteria must be met, such as using a secure device or confirming one’s identity.
And as with a concert, if someone tries to enter with a fake ticket, they are kindly (or not so kindly) escorted out again.
Who gets in and who stays out?
Conditional access relies on several parameters to determine whether a connection is authorized or not. These criteria ensure security that is tailored to each user’s situation:
- The identity of the user: is it an employee, an authorized partner or a stranger?
- The device used: is it recognized and compliant with the company’s security policies?
- Geographic location: is the connection coming from a usual location or an unexpected foreign country?
- Connection time: is the attempt being made during normal working hours or at an unusual time?
- Device status: is it up to date and protected against potential threats?
Each connection is analyzed according to these criteria, making it possible to decide whether access should be granted, denied, or subject to additional verification, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
The winning duo: conditional access + MFA
Conditional access acts as an intelligent filter. When a user tries to log in, the system evaluates the situation and applies the appropriate security rules. If something seems suspicious – for example, a connection from an unknown device or a foreign country – additional authentication may be required.
This is where MFA comes in. By requesting additional confirmation (such as a temporary code sent to a mobile phone), it strengthens protection and prevents unauthorized access, even if a password has been compromised.
How do I adopt conditional access?
To set up conditional access, start by defining security rules that are appropriate for your situation.
- Monitor suspicious connections and adjust the rules if necessary.
- Determine the access conditions based on the company’s needs.
- Combine conditional access with MFA for maximum security.
Did you know that 72% of Quebec SMEs were victims of cyber attacks in 2024? This statistic highlights the critical importance of implementing robust security measures such as conditional access to protect your business from growing threats.
Adopting conditional access means investing in proactive and modern security. At My Technician, we understand that implementing such measures can seem complex. Our team is there to support you and facilitate this transition, guiding you through each step to strengthen the protection of your data.
Thought of the day 💭
“Conditional access is like a doorman at the entrance to the Bell Centre: if you don’t have your ticket (or a secure device), you’re staying outside, pal!”