In the world of security, the most frightening threats don’t always come from outside your business. Sometimes, the real danger lurks within—when former employees, contractors, or others who no longer have any reason to access your building still have the keys to the castle.
Ignoring the need to update access control permissions can lead to serious consequences, from data breaches to theft, and even more chilling scenarios.
Let’s explore how letting access permissions slip through the cracks can create your own Phantom Employee, silently wreaking havoc on your business.
The Case of the Phantom Employee
Picture this: A corporate office in Southern California with hundreds of employees. One of them, a former manager, left the company months ago. HR went through the regular steps of processing the departure, but no one remembered to revoke the employee’s access to the building.
One night, that former manager—now disgruntled after a long legal battle—walks back into the building, completely undetected.
Armed with their old access card and a code no one bothered to change, they wander freely through the offices, accessing sensitive documents and stealing equipment.
It wasn’t until a week later, when the business noticed missing laptops and data, that they realized their mistake.
The “phantom” employee had slipped back in, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages—simply because access permissions weren’t updated.
Why Updating Access Control is Critical
- Unauthorized Access: Allowing former employees or contractors to retain access to your building is like handing the keys to your business to a ghost.
- Data Theft: In a world where data is currency, unauthorized access to confidential areas can lead to stolen information and massive breaches.
- Vandalism or Sabotage: Former employees with a grudge can do serious damage if their access permissions aren’t revoked. A single swipe of a card could be all it takes for them to wreak havoc.
Real-World Horror Story: Former Contractor Hacks a California Water Facility
In 2019, a former employee named Rambler Gallo left his position at a water treatment facility in California—but not without keeping a dark secret. His remote access credentials, tied to critical systems managing water treatment processes, were never revoked after his departure. Several months later, Gallo used his lingering access to remotely hack into the facility’s controls.
Once inside, Gallo attempted to tamper with essential systems, including those responsible for water pressure, filtration, and chemical levels. Had he succeeded, it could have resulted in widespread public health risks. Fortunately, the attack was detected before any real harm was done, but the facility faced significant disruption, and the breach underscored a glaring vulnerability.
The incident served as a chilling reminder of how failing to update access control permissions can have catastrophic consequences. Neglecting to revoke credentials from former employees or contractors can leave your business, and in this case, an entire community, dangerously exposed.
How to Avoid Your Own Phantom Employee
1. Implement Regular Access Control Audits
Access control isn’t a “set it and forget it” type of system. Performing regular audits to review who has access to what areas of your business is key to preventing phantom employees. Every time someone leaves your company—whether they’re fired, resign, or complete their contract—be sure to immediately revoke their access and update all necessary codes, badges, or passwords.
2. Use Tiered Access Levels
Not all employees need the same level of access. By segmenting your access permissions, you can reduce the impact if someone does manage to retain unauthorized access. Keep high-risk areas (like server rooms or HR departments) locked down with limited permissions.
3. Real-Time Access Control Updates
Modern access control systems, like those offered by JMG SECURITY SYSTEMS, allow real-time updates. You can immediately revoke access through a simple interface, ensuring no employee is a “phantom” lingering with outdated credentials.
4. Partner with JMG for Regular Maintenance
JMG SECURITY SYSTEMS offers comprehensive maintenance service plans that include regular access control audits to ensure your system is always up to date. Our expert technicians conduct thorough reviews of your security setup, identifying any outdated permissions or potential vulnerabilities. Whether it’s updating access controls, securing data, or maintaining your cameras and alarms, JMG’s proactive approach prevents issues like phantom employees before they ever arise.
How JMG SECURITY SYSTEMS Can Help
At JMG SECURITY SYSTEMS, we understand that managing access control is critical to keeping your business secure. Our access control solutions ensure that your system stays up to date, allowing you to revoke access instantly whenever an employee or contractor leaves the company.
With advanced features like real-time updates, access audits, and tiered access control, we help you prevent phantom employees from haunting your business.
Don’t let your security become a ghost story.
Ensure your access control system is well-maintained, up to date, and airtight with the help of JMG SECURITY SYSTEMS. Contact us today to schedule a free security audit and see how we can help keep your business safe from phantom employees.