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No one’s above security: Why MFA and least privilege policies matter

Cybersecurity is a business-critical priority, not an IT department checklist item. Every transaction, every record, and every decision relies on the integrity of your systems.

But in our experience many organisations have something in common: inconsistent application of security measures.

Two simple practices – Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and the principle of least privilege (PoLP) – can prevent the majority of breaches. But they only work if everyone follows them. Executives opting out of MFA, and admin accounts with extra permissions are the cracks attackers look for.

“Security works best when no one is the exception.”

MFA: A simple layer with massive impact

MFA is one of the most effective tools available. By adding a single step – a mobile code, push notification, or biometric scan – it stops the majority of attacks in their tracks.

Why MFA matters

Credential theft is rampant. Phishing, brute-force attacks, and leaked passwords are daily occurrences. MFA makes stolen credentials almost useless.
Executives are prime targets. High-level accounts attract attackers running business email compromise (BEC) and spear-phishing campaigns.
IT teams hold all the keys. Administrator accounts have the power to cause widespread damage if breached.

“If MFA is optional for anyone, it’s a weak link.”

Attackers don’t need to breach your most sophisticated defenses. They only need access to one unprotected account.

The principle of least privilege: limit the blast radius

Least privilege means users only get the access they need to perform their role – no more, no less.

But in many organisations, access mirrors hierarchy rather than necessity. Directors inherit blanket permissions. Former employees’ accounts stay live “just in case.” Over time, these shortcuts pile up into serious security vulnerabilities.

Why PoLP matters

It limits the blast radius. A compromised account can only damage what it can reach.
It reduces accidents. Users can’t accidentally delete or expose data they can’t access.
It satisfies compliance. Regulators increasingly demand evidence of controlled, role-based access.

“Trust the process, not the person.”

Permissions should be reviewed, documented, and adjusted whenever roles change. Broad access feels convenient until the day it becomes a breach.

No exceptions, no excuses

Security policies only work if everyone follows them.

If leadership bypasses MFA or IT keeps “just in case” admin privileges, it shows that security is negotiable. In the event of a breach, those are the first decisions to come under scrutiny.

“Leaders set the tone. When executives follow the same security rules as everyone else, it reinforces a culture where policies stick.”

A quick business check

Ask yourself today:

Does every user, including execs and admins, log in with MFA?
Are permissions aligned with current job roles?
Could you prove compliance to an auditor right now?

If the answer isn’t a confident yes, now is the time to close the gaps – before an attacker exploits them.