prepare a short handout (3-5 paragraphs -- approximately 1 page if printed) to be included in a new employee orientation session. In your handout, discuss the primary methods for establishing a person's identity and then discuss how the individual's unique characteristics will be used to control access to the organization's enterprise IT resources and systems. Use information from the AC (Access Control) and IA (Identification and Authentication) families of security controls as authoritative sources for the requirement that employees provide identity documents and allow their physical characteristics to be measured for use as biometric factors in the identification and authorization processes used to grant access to email, timekeeping, and other web- or cloud-based IT services.
New employee orientation session
Full Answer Section
Establishing your identity is the first step. We primarily use documentary evidence to verify who you are. This typically involves reviewing official documents such as your passport, national ID card, driver's license, or other government-issued identification. These documents help us confirm your legal name, date of birth, and other key identifying details. In some cases, additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, may be required. Providing these documents during onboarding is essential for completing your employee record and initiating the access control process. This process is in line with IA control requirements that emphasize the importance of verifying an individual's claimed identity before granting any system access.
Once your identity is established, we use your unique characteristics to create a secure and personalized access profile. This involves leveraging biometric factors, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or other measurable physical attributes. These biometric factors are used in conjunction with your credentials (like a username and password) to authenticate your identity when you attempt to access our IT systems. This multi-factor authentication (MFA) approach significantly enhances security by making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they have your password. The use of biometrics aligns with IA controls that encourage strong authentication methods to protect against unauthorized access.
Your unique profile is then linked to specific access permissions based on your role and responsibilities within the organization. This ensures that you only have access to the systems and data necessary for your job function. For example, you might need access to email, timekeeping systems, shared drives, or specialized applications. These access permissions are carefully managed and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate. This access control process, guided by the AC control family, is designed to minimize the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or modification.
By understanding and cooperating with these identification and access control procedures, you play a vital role in maintaining the security and integrity of our organization's information assets. If you have any questions regarding these processes, please don't hesitate to contact the IT or Human Resources department. We are committed to ensuring a secure and productive work environment for everyone.
Sample Answer
Protecting Our Information: Understanding Identity and Access Control
Welcome to the team! A crucial part of ensuring the security and integrity of our organization's data and systems is verifying who you are and controlling what you can access. This handout will briefly explain how we establish your identity and how that information is used to grant you access to the IT resources you need to perform your job. Accurate identification and robust access control mechanisms are fundamental to protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational continuity. These practices align with industry best practices and established security control families, including Access Control (AC) and Identification and Authentication (IA).