Today, relying on traditional access control is like locking your door but leaving the windows open. Cyber threats are smarter, and static security measures can't keep up with dynamic user behaviors. What if your security system could learn and adapt in real-time to prevent breaches before they happen?This article explores the concept of Behavior Based Access Control; how incorporating user behavioral analytics into your access control strategy enhances security and streamlines user experience. Discover how turning user behavior into a defensive asset can revolutionize your organization's cybersecurity.

What is User Behavioral Analytics in Access Control?

Leveraging user behavior to inform access and privilege provisioning is a relatively recent development in the cybersecurity landscape. The basic idea is that every user exhibits a predictable pattern of interacting with the secured environment. Factors such as login times, frequently accessed resources, typical locations, and standard device usage can be used to create a baseline of expected behavior. Unusual behavior from the user account may indicate risk or comprise that can then be proactively mitigated. Implementation methods can vary significantly between different vendors and solutions. A quick search online will show that there are many names and acronyms for this approach, such as Behavior-Based Access Control (BBAC), User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA), or Privileged user Behavior Analytics (PUBA), to name a few examples. Traditional Access Control ModelsTo understand the value of behavior-based controls, it's helpful to compare them to traditional access control and provisioning methods. Traditional access control models, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), have long been the backbone of system security.Access Control Lists are the simplest solution. They list all users in an environment with access to a system or data, and the control system compares the user requesting access with the list. Role-Based Access Control is similar but can be simpler to fine-tune and manage than ACLs. Under RBAC, access to a system or data is granted to specific roles, and users can be assigned the appropriate roles as needed. This generally makes it easier to properly grant and revoke access, especially in large scale environments.While widely used and reasonably effective, these static models have limitations in today's dynamic digital environments. They lack the flexibility to adapt to changing contexts and needs and require intensive manual interaction. Inactive users must manually have access revoked, creating a common point of failure exploited by threat actors. It can also slow down critical business operations in cases where a user needs access to a new system but must wait for a human to grant those permissions.

How Behavior-Based Access Control Works

The Role of Behavioral AnalyticsBehavior-Based Access Control (BBAC) leverages behavioral analytics to enhance security by continuously monitoring and analyzing user activities. This involves collecting data on user interactions such as login times, access frequencies, resource utilization patterns, and device types. For example, the system records when users typically log in and out, which applications they normally access, and what devices they use.A BBAC system uses a set of algorithms to process the accumulated data and establish a "normal" behavior baseline for each user. These algorithms can then identify deviations that may indicate security threats by recognizing patterns and typical usage habits. If a user's behavior significantly deviates from their established baseline—such as accessing sensitive data at unusual hours—the system flags this anomaly for further investigation, and can even proactively enforce additional authentication requirements and restrictions. Contextual Factors in Access DecisionsContextual information adds a key layer of intelligence to access control decisions. Factors like the user's geographic location, the device being used, the time of access, and network characteristics are considered to assess the legitimacy of access requests. For instance, if a user who usually logs in from an office computer in New York suddenly attempts to access the system from an unfamiliar device in another country, the system recognizes this as atypical and suspicious behavior. Examples of contextual triggers include:

• Unusual Locations: Access attempts from unexpected or high-risk regions.
• Location Changes: Access from geographically distant locations in unrealistically short timeframes
• Device Variations: Use of new or unrecognized devices.
• Time Anomalies: Access outside of normal working hours or patterns.
• Network Differences: Connections from unknown or unsecured networks.

By evaluating these contextual factors, BBAC can make more informed decisions, granting or restricting access based on the current risk assessment.Dynamic Authentication and AuthorizationBBAC employs adaptive authentication mechanisms to respond to detected anomalies. When unusual behavior is spotted, the system may require additional verification steps, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to confirm the user's identity. This ensures that unauthorized access is prevented even if login credentials are compromised.Access rights can also be dynamically adjusted in real time based on behavioral analytics. If user’s actions raise suspicion, their permissions may be temporarily limited to reduce potential risks. For example, access to sensitive files might be revoked until further investigation to ensure that the user account is not compromised or an insider threat. This dynamic authorization allows organizations to respond promptly, minimizing the window of opportunity for malicious activities, while maintaining business continuity.Integrating behavioral analytics, contextual information, and dynamic authentication enables behavioral access control systems to provide a robust and flexible approach to access control, enhancing security without unduly burdening legitimate users.

The Value of Using Behavioral Analytics in Access Control

In addition to improvements in security and efficiency, behavioral access control proves to be particularly valuable in the face of other risks or priorities.Insider Threat DetectionInsider threats pose a significant risk because they originate from trusted individuals within the organization. Behavioral analytics monitor user activities for signs of data exfiltration or unauthorized access. For example, if any employee, even one who typically accesses customer data, suddenly starts downloading large volumes of proprietary information, the system flags this behavior for immediate investigation and optionally limits access to reduce exposure.Protection of Privileged AccountsDue to their elevated access rights, privileged accounts are prime targets for attackers. By closely monitoring these accounts' actions, behavioral analytics help prevent privilege escalation and misuse. Unusual activities—such as a system administrator attempting to access financial records—can trigger alerts, enabling swift intervention.Attack Surface ReductionOrganizations can minimize vulnerabilities by automatically adjusting user permissions based on context and behavior. If a user's behavior deviates from the norm, their access rights can be temporarily reduced, limiting potential damage. This dynamic adjustment shrinks the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit compromised accounts.Compliance and AuditingBehavioral analytics provide detailed logs of user activities, aiding in compliance reporting and forensic investigations. Organizations can demonstrate adherence to regulations like GDPR or HIPAA by showing comprehensive records of access and actions taken, thereby avoiding potential fines and legal issues.Improved User ExperienceImplementing behavioral analytics doesn't just enhance security—it can also improve the user experience. Users exhibiting normal behavior enjoy seamless access without frequent authentication interruptions. The system recognizes their typical patterns and minimizes unnecessary security prompts.

Challenges and Considerations of BBAC

While integrating behavioral analytics into access control brings substantial benefits, a few considerations must be addressed to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.Privacy ConcernsUsers might be apprehensive about monitoring and data collection. However, organizations can build trust and confidence by prioritizing transparency and obtaining consent. Communicating how behavioral data is used to enhance security and assuring users that their information is protected can alleviate concerns and foster a positive perception.Implementation ComplexityIntroducing Behavior-Based Access Control may seem technically challenging, but with careful planning and expertise, it can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems. Advances in technology have made robust data analysis tools more accessible, enabling organizations to enhance security without overhauling their infrastructure.False Positives and NegativesThere's a risk that legitimate behavior might occasionally be flagged as anomalous and impeded. These errors can be minimized by employing continuous model training and incorporating human oversight. As the system learns and adapts over time, its accuracy improves, ensuring users aren't unnecessarily hindered.Despite these challenges, the path forward is optimistic. With thoughtful strategies and a user-centric approach, organizations can successfully implement behavioral analytics in access control, reaping the security benefits while maintaining user trust and compliance.

Conclusion

As the threats that organizations face continue to grow, the necessity and benefits of implementing user behavioral analytics in your access control strategy will also increase. Embracing Behavior-Based Access Control, enhances security, improves user experience, and proactively manages risks.BIO:Eric Anderson has been working in technology for over 40 years with a focus on cybersecurity since the 90’s. Now serving primarily as Chief Cybersecurity Evangelist and part of the Executive Leadership Team, Eric has been with Atlantic Data Security starting from its inception, filling various roles across the company. He leverages this broad perspective along with his passion, collective experience, creative thinking, and empathetic understanding of client issues to solve and advocate for effective cybersecurity.