PS-9 – Badge Access System Admins

What is this control about?

Implementing the “Badge Access System” is of paramount importance for bolstering an organization’s security measures and ensuring a controlled access environment. This control focuses on carefully managing and restricting access privileges to individuals responsible for administering the badge access system. These administrators have the authority to configure, monitor, and maintain the access control system, making them critical gatekeepers of the organization’s physical security measures.

Available tools in the marketplace

Tools

Badge Pass IDenticard AlphaCard

Available templates

TrustCloud has a curated list of templates internally or externally sourced to help you get started. Click on the link for a downloadable version:

• Badge Access Policy Template

Control implementation

In general, for this control,  once you have the badge access system, it is matter to define the administrative role and manage it. Specifically, to fully implement this control, the following guidelines should be considered:

1. Define Administrative Roles: Begin by defining the roles and responsibilities of “Badge Access System Admins.” These roles should clearly outline the tasks and privileges associated with administering the access control system. Roles may include functions like user provisioning, access level assignments, audit log monitoring, and incident response.
2. Establish Access Control Policy: Develop an access control policy specific to “Badge Access System Admins.” This policy should outline the criteria for selecting administrators, the process for granting and revoking administrative access, and the guidelines for handling administrative tasks.
3. Identify Qualified Administrators: Identify individuals who possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and expertise to be “Badge Access System Admins.” Typically, these individuals should undergo specialized training in access control management, security protocols, and incident response procedures.
4. Background Checks and Vetting: Conduct thorough background checks and vetting processes for potential administrators. This step helps ensure that individuals entrusted with access control management have a clean track record and can be trusted with sensitive responsibilities.
5. Limit Number of Admins: Limit the number of administrators to only those essential for system management. Keeping the number of administrators to a minimum reduces the potential attack surface and enhances overall control over administrative access.
6. Provide Specialized Training: Provide specialized training to administrators to equip them with the knowledge and skills required for managing the “Badge Access System” effectively. Training should cover system configurations, access control best practices, incident response, and compliance requirements.
7. Document Access Control Changes: Maintain a log of all access control changes made by administrators. This log should include details such as the date, time, nature of the change, and the administrator responsible for the modification. The log serves as an audit trail and facilitates accountability.
8. Termination Procedures: Implement procedures for promptly revoking administrative access when an administrator leaves the organization or no longer requires access. Timely removal of administrative privileges helps prevent unauthorized access after personnel changes.
9. Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor the activities of “Badge Access System Admins” to detect any unusual behavior or potential security breaches. Monitoring tools can help identify patterns indicative of unauthorized access attempts or policy violations.

What evidence do auditors look for?

Most auditors, at a minimum, are looking for the below-suggested action.

1. The badge access user list with access rights and roles demonstrating those with admin roles

Evidence example

For the suggested action, an example is provided below:

• The badge access user list with access rights and roles demonstrating those with admin roles

Screenshot source