Introduction
If everyone has access to everything then no one is truly secure.
That’s why ISO 27001 Control 5.44 Access Control Policy sits at the heart of every strong cybersecurity program.
It defines the rules for granting, reviewing, and revoking access to information systems ensuring users only get what they need to do their jobs, and nothing more.
Because in cybersecurity, least privilege isn’t a restriction it’s protection.
Why This Control Matters
Access control failures are one of the top causes of data breaches.
Overprivileged accounts, orphaned user profiles, and forgotten shared folders can all lead to unauthorized access or data loss.
Control 5.44, from ISO/IEC 27002:2022 Section 5.44, is an Organizational control that’s preventive in nature.
It reinforces Confidentiality and Integrity through the Protect and Govern cybersecurity concepts.
An effective access control policy:
- ✅ Defines who can access what and under what conditions
- ✅ Prevents privilege creep (gradual accumulation of unnecessary access)
- ✅ Ensures quick removal of access when roles change
- ✅ Supports audit readiness and compliance
What This Control Involves
Define an Access Control Policy
Outline principles like least privilege, need-to-know, and segregation of duties.
Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Clearly define who approves, manages, and reviews access rights.
Implement Role-Based Access (RBAC)
Grant permissions based on job function rather than individual discretion.
Review Access Regularly
Conduct periodic access recertification to ensure permissions stay accurate and aligned with job duties.
Integrate with HR and IT Processes
Automate provisioning and de-provisioning when employees join, move, or leave the organization.
Common Pitfalls
- 🚫 “Temporary” access that becomes permanent
- 🚫 Shared accounts without accountability
- 🚫 No review of old or inactive users
- 🚫 Policies that exist but aren’t enforced
Canadian Cyber’s Take
At Canadian Cyber, we help organizations build and operationalize access control policies that are both secure and practical.
Our consultants design frameworks that integrate with Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), and identity governance platforms making your access management automated, auditable, and ISO 27001-compliant.
We also help organizations enforce Just-In-Time (JIT) and Zero Trust principles, reducing attack surfaces without slowing down productivity.
Because strong access control isn’t about saying “no” it’s about saying “yes” to the right people, at the right time, for the right reasons.
Takeaway
An effective access control policy turns chaos into control.
ISO 27001 Control 5.44 ensures your organization manages access with purpose minimizing risk while maintaining agility.
When access is intentional, security becomes invisible.
How Canadian Cyber Can Help
At Canadian Cyber, we provide:
- Access Control and Identity Governance Consulting
- ISO 27001 Implementation & Internal Audit Services
- Microsoft Entra ID / Azure AD Role Design and Automation
👉 Ready to take control of your access governance?
Book a free consultation here.
