How to Eliminate Standing Admin Privileges in Microsoft 365

Executive Summary

Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) are crucial for enhancing Microsoft 365 security. This approach eliminates unnecessary persistent access, minimizing risks associated with permanent admin privileges. Despite the adoption of Privileged Access Management (PAM) for infrastructure, many organizations overlook similar practices for Microsoft 365. The friction in implementing ZSP is due to operational challenges and ineffective native tools. This article by CyberArk discusses the importance of ZSP and how it can protect organizations from security vulnerabilities.

 Read the full article from CyberArk here for comprehensive insights.

Key Insights

The Importance of Zero Standing Privileges

• The concept of ZSP is vital in preventing unauthorized access in Microsoft 365 environments.
• Organizations must adopt ZSP to eliminate risks tied to standing privileges, similar to practices in infrastructure security.

Challenges in Implementing ZSP

• Friction between security and operational efficiency has made applying ZSP to SaaS admin roles difficult.
• Existing tools often create silos, leading to manual processes that slow down IT operations.

Current State of Microsoft 365 Security

• Many enterprises have substantial PAM for servers but still maintain excessive permanent admin roles in Microsoft 365.
• This inconsistency indicates a gap in security practices within organizations.

Recommendations for Organizations

• Adopt Just-in-Time (JIT) access to mitigate risks associated with idle admin privileges.
• Invest in tools that integrate seamlessly within the Microsoft 365 environment to facilitate ZSP without operational friction.

 Access the full expert analysis and actionable security insights from CyberArk here.