Half of Staff Have Too Much Access to Data

Do you know exactly who in your business can access your critical data right now?

And more importantly, do they need that access to do their job?

Most business owners assume access is sorted out during setup and never think about it again. But new research says otherwise.

Around half of employees in businesses today have too much access to data than they should.

That’s a big problem.

Why It Matters

It’s not just about the risk of someone doing something malicious. Mistakes happen. When people can see data they don’t need, it increases the chance of accidents, breaches, and compliance headaches.

This is called insider risk—the danger that comes from people inside your business, whether they’re employees, contractors, or partners.

Sometimes insider risk is deliberate—like when someone steals data. But far more often, it’s accidental. A wrong click, an email sent to the wrong person, or leftover access after someone leaves the company.

The Problem of “Privilege Creep”

One major issue is what’s known as privilege creep. That’s when people slowly build up more access than they actually need—often because they change roles, join new systems, or no one regularly reviews their permissions.

Research shows very few businesses actively manage this. That means massive amounts of sensitive data are sitting exposed.

Even worse, nearly half of businesses admit that ex-employees still have access to systems months after leaving. That’s like handing the office keys to someone who no longer works there.

How to Fix Too Much Access

The solution? Follow the principle of least privilege.

That means giving people access only to what they need—and nothing more. Access should also be temporary when possible, a concept known as “just-in-time” access.

When someone leaves your business, their access should be removed immediately.

With today’s mix of cloud apps, AI tools, and “invisible IT,” this can be tricky—but it’s not impossible.

Regularly review who has access to what, tighten permissions, and use automation tools to simplify the process.

The goal isn’t to slow people down. It’s to keep your data—and your reputation—safe.

If you’re unsure whether your access controls are secure, let’s talk. It’s better to find out now than after a breach.