Author: Dinesh Harikrishnan

Dinesh is a results-driven sales leader with a proven track record of scaling revenue, building high-performance teams, and forging strong client relationships. As our VP of Sales, he brings deep industry expertise, a strategic mindset, and a passion for driving growth through innovative, customer-focused solutions.

Group Policy Object (GPO) Management: What It Is and Why Modern Enterprises Need It

How do enterprises ensure that thousands of users and devices follow the same security rules and IT policies without manual intervention? For organizations running on Microsoft Active Directory or any other Active Directory, the answer lies in Group Policy Objects (GPOs).

GPOs are a core feature that allows IT administrators to centrally enforce security, compliance, and configuration settings across the entire network. Whether it’s enforcing password policies, restricting access to applications, or deploying software, GPOs make it possible to maintain consistency and control at scale.

But here’s the challenge. As enterprises expand across regions, adopt cloud infrastructure, and manage hybrid workforces, traditional GPO management becomes increasingly complex. Without the right approach and tools, policy conflicts, misconfigurations, and compliance gaps are inevitable. That’s why modern GPO management solutions are critical for today’s enterprises.

In this blog, we’ll explore how GPO management works, its key benefits, and how next-generation tools tackle common challenges.

What Is GPO Management?

Group Policy Object management refers to the process of creating, applying, monitoring, and maintaining IT policies in a Microsoft Active Directory environment.

Think of GPOs as rulebooks that define how systems and users operate. With GPOs, IT admins can:

  • Enforce password rules such as minimum length or mandatory complexity. 
  • Restrict external storage devices like USB drives. 
  • Configure desktop environments with standard settings. 
  • Prevent users from disabling antivirus or firewalls. 
  • Automatically deploy software or updates. 

The advantage is centralization. Instead of manually configuring hundreds or thousands of systems, admins define a GPO once, and Active Directory enforces it everywhere.

The Benefits of GPO Management

When managed effectively, GPOs deliver significant value to enterprises:

  • Centralized administration

    Reduces manual effort by allowing IT teams to control system configurations from a single location.

     

  • Improved security

    Enforces consistent policies to minimize risks such as weak passwords, unauthorized software, or unpatched systems.

     

  • Standardization across endpoints

    Ensures uniformity in settings, reducing misconfigurations and vulnerabilities.

     

  • Operational efficiency

    Automates repetitive IT tasks like printer mapping and application deployment.

     

  • Compliance readiness

    Helps meet regulatory requirements such as ISO 27001, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS by ensuring auditable and consistent policies.

     

In short, GPO management is about efficiency, security, and compliance, all working together.

Common Challenges with Traditional GPO Management

Despite its importance, native GPO tools in Active Directory often create headaches for IT teams. The most common challenges include:

  • Scalability issues

    Large enterprises may have hundreds of GPOs, leading to policy sprawl and confusion.

     

  • Conflict and overlap

    Multiple GPOs applied to the same user or machine can create contradictory rules.

     

  • Limited visibility

    Native tools make it hard to track inheritance or understand the impact of a change before it’s applied.

     

  • Difficult troubleshooting

    Finding which GPO caused a login issue or failed update can take hours.

     

  • Compliance blind spots

    Native GPO tools lack strong audit capabilities, making it harder to prove compliance during audits.

These challenges slow down IT operations, increase risk, and frustrate both admins and end users.

Why Do Modern Enterprises Need Next-Generation GPO Management Solutions?

Enterprises today face new realities: distributed workforces, hybrid IT environments, and rapidly evolving security threats. Traditional GPO management simply doesn’t keep up.

Next-generation GPO management solutions are designed to:

  • Provide real-time visibility into policy conflicts and inheritance. 
  • Support hybrid and cloud environments alongside on-prem Active Directory. 
  • Automate repetitive tasks while minimizing human error. 
  • Offer role-based access controls for better governance. 
  • Generate audit-ready reports that simplify compliance efforts.

In other words, modern GPO management helps organizations scale securely and efficiently, without overwhelming IT teams.

Essential Features of a Modern GPO Management Tool

When evaluating GPO management software, enterprises should look for:

  • Centralized console for policy creation, deployment, and monitoring. 
  • Policy versioning and rollback to undo misconfigurations quickly. 
  • Conflict detection that alerts admins to overlapping or contradictory rules. 
  • Audit and reporting tools for compliance and accountability. 
  • Scalability across hybrid environments to manage both on-prem and cloud-connected users. 
  • Ease of use that minimizes dependency on complex scripting.

These features transform GPO management from a reactive chore into a proactive governance tool.

How Does Akku GPO Manager Help Modern Enterprises?

Traditional Group Policy Object solutions are heavily tied to Microsoft Active Directory, which often means high costs, vendor lock-in, and limited flexibility. Akku GPO Manager offers a modern alternative: centralized device policy governance for businesses of all sizes, without the overhead of Microsoft’s ecosystem. From a single, intuitive dashboard, IT teams can enforce consistent policies, strengthen compliance, and reduce risks across every device in the organization.

One-point Control for Device Policies

Akku provides a single interface to control policies across diverse operating systems. Whether you need to push rules to a single device, a defined group, or your entire organization, Akku gives you complete flexibility. This centralized visibility helps IT leaders maintain a stronger security posture by eliminating blind spots and inconsistencies.

Device Security Policies

Akku makes it simple to enforce security fundamentals: configure firewalls, mandate strong password policies, and enable multi-factor authentication for device and app access. You can also disable connections to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. For browser security, Akku allows you to block risky websites through DNS filtering, restrict private browsing, disable extensions and pop-ups, and more. These features work together to reduce vulnerabilities across endpoints.

Data Privacy Policies

In today’s environment, preventing misuse of sensitive data is a top priority. Akku lets enterprises disable screen capture, cameras, and microphones to block unauthorized recording and eavesdropping. It also allows administrators to prevent access to unsanctioned cloud storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox. Additional authentication can be enforced at system startup, adding an extra layer of protection before granting OS access.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies

When multiple users interact with sensitive data, the risk of accidental or intentional leaks grows. With Akku, you can define what constitutes acceptable or risky user actions. Administrators can set real-time alerts for potential violations or block these actions altogether. By embedding DLP controls into policy management, Akku ensures that sensitive data is always handled responsibly.

Audit and Compliance Policies

Compliance is often undermined by manual, device-level management. Akku addresses this by enabling detailed audit logs that track user and system activity. Logs can capture USB usage, software installations and changes, network activity, data transfers, and login patterns. This not only helps organizations stay compliant but also provides actionable insights into potential violations or trends that need attention.

With Akku GPO Manager, enterprises gain a modern GPO management software that improves visibility, enforces consistent policies, and strengthens overall security without the cost and lock-in of legacy solutions.

Ready to move beyond the limits of traditional GPO management? Get in touch with us to see how Akku GPO Manager can help your business enforce smarter, stronger, and more cost-effective device policies.

What Is Mobile Device Management? A Rundown of MDM’s Meaning, Uses & Benefits

Your employees are mobile. Your data is too. And so are the risks. In an era where work happens from coffee shops, airport lounges, and living rooms, managing how mobile devices interact with your business is non-negotiable.

With a sharp rise in remote work and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments, modern businesses need more than just good intentions to safeguard sensitive data. With more employees working remotely and using personal devices to access business systems, IT teams face growing challenges in enforcing security and compliance. But what is MDM, and why is it so crucial for modern organizations?

This blog takes a closer look at the meaning of mobile device management – how it works, and the key advantages of using Akku Mobile Device Manager to keep your enterprise secure, compliant, and connected. 

This blog explores what mobile device management is, how it works, and the main advantages of mobile device management in today’s evolving work environments. Whether you’re evaluating a solution or upgrading from an outdated platform, this guide will help you understand the strategic importance of implementing MDM and how it can transform your organization’s mobile security posture.

What Is MDM? Meaning, Full Form & Definition

What Does MDM Stand For?

MDM stands for Mobile Device Management. It refers to a suite of tools and practices used to control, secure, and monitor mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, within an organization.

Mobile Device Management Definition in Simple Terms

Mobile device management (MDM) is the centralized approach to managing all mobile endpoints that access company data. It enables businesses to apply security settings, manage access, and ensure compliance, regardless of device ownership (BYOD or corporate-owned).

Evolution of Mobile Device Management Solutions

From managing basic company-issued phones to securing today’s diverse mobile environments, MDM solutions have evolved into sophisticated platforms supporting Android, iOS, and Windows. The rise of remote work and cloud access has made MDM security essential.

Why MDM Is Important for Modern Businesses

The Need for Device Security in Remote Work

As employees work from anywhere, mobile endpoints become key access points to business systems. Mobile device management helps organizations protect sensitive data, enforce policies, and mitigate risks arising from insecure networks or lost devices.

Why BYOD Requires Mobile Device Management

BYOD increases flexibility but introduces significant security concerns. Devices not managed by IT may lack basic controls. With MDM, companies can isolate work data, apply controls, and manage risk without invading personal privacy.

MDM for Compliance and Data Control

Compliance frameworks demand visibility, control, and audit readiness. MDM enables companies to meet legal and regulatory obligations by ensuring device compliance through policy enforcement, encryption, and access control.

How Does Mobile Device Management Work?

How Devices Are Enrolled and Managed

Devices are enrolled in an MDM platform using manual or automated methods. Akku’s MDM solution supports individual and bulk enrolment, with workflows for approval and user-based access control.

Applying and Enforcing Security Policies

Once enrolled, MDM tools apply security configurations – such as mandatory screen locks, USB restrictions, app whitelisting, and compliance alerts – across all devices. These settings can be updated in real time from a central dashboard.

What You Can Do Remotely with MDM

Mobile device management allows administrators to revoke access, disable devices, and perform remote wipes to protect company data in case of loss, theft, or role changes.

Key Features of MDM Solutions

App and File Control on All Devices

MDM solutions provide visibility into installed apps and the ability to restrict or enforce app policies. IT teams can also manage file access and data transfers to avoid data leakage.

Track, Lock, or Wipe Lost Devices

If a device is lost or compromised, MDM tools allow for immediate remote lock, location tracking, or selective/full data wipe – protecting your organization’s information in critical moments.

Role-Based Access and User Management

By mapping access levels to roles, MDM helps enforce the principle of least privilege. Employees only access the data and apps relevant to their jobs, improving security and compliance.

Integration with Other IT Systems

Effective MDM solutions integrate with identity and access management (IAM), email clients, and cloud applications to provide a unified IT operations and security strategy.

Top Advantages of Mobile Device Management for Your Business

Stronger Security and Data Loss Prevention

The primary advantage of mobile device management is comprehensive endpoint protection. MDM tools help detect threats early, prevent unauthorized access, and safeguard critical data.

Improved Productivity Through Seamless Access

Employees benefit from secure, uninterrupted access to business resources, regardless of location or device, enabling productivity while maintaining control.

Simplified IT Operations and Cost Reduction

With fewer manual tasks, automated policy applications, and centralized monitoring, IT teams operate more efficiently, reducing time, effort, and operational overhead.

Key Challenges in Implementing MDM (and How to Overcome Them)

Handling Employee Privacy Concerns

Users may fear surveillance or control over their personal data. MDM can address this by using clear policies, containerization, and device-level controls that respect privacy.

Managing Different Devices and OS Types

The growing variety of devices can complicate MDM deployment. Choosing a platform like Akku that supports cross-platform compatibility ensures seamless operations across Android, iOS, and more.

Making MDM Easy for Users and IT Teams

Ease of enrolment, automation, and intuitive interfaces make adoption smoother for users and administrators alike. Clear communication and training further reduce friction.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth MDM Setup

  • Start with a well-defined mobile usage policy
  • Choose an MDM solution that matches your organization’s needs
  • Communicate benefits clearly to employees
  • Monitor performance and compliance regularly

Final Thoughts: The Strategic Importance of Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile Device Management is no longer just an IT tool – it’s a business-critical layer of enterprise security. As the workplace evolves, so must the way organizations protect their data, devices, and compliance posture.

That’s where Akku Mobile Device Manager makes a measurable difference.

Rather than offering a bloated, one-size-fits-all platform, Akku focuses on what truly matters to IT leaders – simplified control, policy enforcement at scale, and visibility across every approved device. Whether you’re managing a remote workforce, enforcing BYOD policies, or aiming to reduce compliance risk, Akku gives you the right tools with zero compromise on security or user experience.

With features like remote account wipes, passcode enforcement, role-based access, and real-time compliance reporting, Akku Mobile Device Manager is designed to help your business stay ahead – securely, simply, and smartly.

Ready to modernize your device strategy? Let our team help you implement the MDM solution your organization needs.

Contact us today!

Group Policy Object (GPO) in Active Directory and How It Works

Imagine walking into a company where every desktop looks different, passwords are handwritten on sticky notes, and users are free to install whatever software they fancy. It might sound chaotic, but that’s exactly what happens when there’s no policy control in place.

For decades, Group Policy Objects (GPOs) have been the backbone of IT governance in Windows environments, enabling administrators to enforce consistency, security, and compliance across their networks. But as businesses move to hybrid and cloud-first models, it’s time to revisit the basic question: What is GPO in Active Directory, and is it still enough?

This blog takes you through the core mechanism of Group Policy Objects, how they work, their real-world applications, and why IT teams are increasingly adopting modern alternatives like Akku for centralized access control.

What is a Group Policy Object (GPO) in Active Directory?

Definition and Purpose of GPO

Let’s start with the basics – what is a GPO?

A Group Policy Object (GPO) is a set of rules that administrators apply to user and computer accounts in an Active Directory environment. These rules control system behavior, security settings, and user experience, ensuring consistency across all devices.

In other words, the GPO prevents users from going rogue, delivering centralized governance across devices and users at scale.

Local Group Policy vs. Domain-Based GPO

There are two primary Group Policy Object types:

  • Local Group Policy applies only to a single machine and is managed independently.
  • Domain-Based GPO is managed through Active Directory and applies settings to groups of users or devices across the network.

In most enterprise environments, domain-based GPOs are essential for efficient administration and scalable control.

GPO Scope: User and Computer Configuration

GPOs are structured into two scopes:

  • User Configuration: Controls the user environment – desktop settings, application access, folder redirection, and more.
  • Computer Configuration: Applies system-wide settings like firewall rules, password policies, and software controls.

This dual structure makes GPOs highly flexible and powerful.

Inside the Architecture – Components and Storage of GPO in Active Directory

Every Group Policy Object is made up of:

  • Group Policy Template (GPT): Stored in the SYSVOL folder of domain controllers; contains policy files, scripts, and templates.
  • Group Policy Container (GPC): Stored in Active Directory; holds metadata such as version, status, and permissions.

Together, these define the structure and logic of each GPO. This architecture allows for replication, tracking, and fine-grained control across a network.

Deployment Mechanics – How Are Group Policy Objects Applied Across the Network?

GPOs follow a specific order when applied, known as LSDOU:

  1. Local
  2. Site
  3. Domain
  4. Organisational Unit (OU)

The closer a GPO is to the object (like a user or computer), the higher its priority, unless overridden. Policies refresh every 90 minutes by default, but can be manually updated using gpupdate /force.

Understanding this sequence helps in avoiding conflicts and ensures the intended policies take effect.

Strategic Use Cases – Real-World Applications and Advanced GPO Scenarios

GPOs are not just technical tools – they’re strategic enablers. Here’s how they shine in real-world scenarios:

  • Strengthening Security: Enforce strong password rules, disable USB ports, or restrict local admin rights.
  • Enhancing User Experience: Standardize desktops, configure printers, and control access to features like Task Manager or Control Panel.
  • Application Management: Block unauthorized software or automate installations organization-wide.
  • Network Access Control: Manage proxy settings, disable public Wi-Fi connections, and enforce VPN usage.

Each of these examples shows how a Group Policy Object improves security and productivity while reducing manual overhead.

Optimizing Control – Best Practices for GPO Configuration, Security, and Troubleshooting

Getting the most out of GPOs requires a disciplined approach. Here are a few best practices:

  • Don’t overcomplicate: Consolidate GPOs where possible to reduce processing time.
  • Use clear naming conventions: Make it easier for teams to manage and troubleshoot.
  • Test before deploying: Use test OUs to validate policy behavior.
  • Audit and monitor: Regularly check gpresult and event logs for compliance and anomalies.
  • Document everything: Especially helpful when multiple admins are involved.

These steps ensure your GPO setup remains efficient, secure, and easy to maintain.

Why Are Forward-Thinking IT Teams Shifting to Centralized Access Solutions?

Limitations of Traditional GPOs in Hybrid and Cloud Environments

As workforces become more remote and cloud-centric, traditional GPOs face several limitations:

  • Inability to manage non-domain devices
  • Lack of visibility into real-time policy enforcement
  • Dependency on on-prem infrastructure
  • Complex setup and maintenance

In short, traditional Group Policy Object models weren’t designed for today’s mobile, distributed environments.

The Shift to Zero Trust and Centralized Access Control

Modern IT security follows a Zero Trust model – don’t trust, always verify. This requires:

  • Device-aware policy enforcement
  • Identity-based access control
  • Real-time monitoring and compliance

GPOs are static and domain-bound, making them ill-suited for this dynamic, cloud-driven world.

Increased Demand for Security and Compliance

Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 demand continuous visibility and control over user and device activity. Traditional GPOs offer limited support for audit trails and flexible compliance reporting.

That’s why many IT leaders are moving towards solutions that are built for the future.

AKKU – Empowering Enterprises with Modern Access Control Beyond Traditional GPOs

Enter Akku GPO Manager – a cloud-based, platform-agnostic alternative that provides all the benefits of GPO, and more.

With Akku, IT teams can:

  • Centrally enforce security policies across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Configure firewall, MFA, and password rules without relying on Microsoft infrastructure
  • Apply data privacy controls, such as disabling screen capture, USB ports, cloud storage, and private browsing
  • Monitor compliance through detailed audit logs (USB activity, login/logout, software installs)
  • Push policies to specific users, devices, or groups via a single intuitive dashboard


This is a Group Policy Object reimagined for the modern enterprise – flexible, secure, and built for the hybrid workforce.

Looking to modernize your policy control without the complexity of legacy systems? Let’s talk. Akku might be exactly what your IT stack needs.

Upgrading security: The advantages of Adaptive MFA over standard MFA


What do you think the world’s third-largest economy is? According to Cybersecurity Ventures, it’s cybercrime. Their report says the global annual cost of cybercrime may hit USD 9.5 trillion in 2024 and reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, literally making it “the world’s third-largest economy after the U.S. and China”. Ransomware is the “most immediate threat” on a global scale, with damages costing victims nearly USD 265 billion annually by 2031, a drastic increase from $42 billion expected in 2024.

One thing is clear: In today’s digital landscape, security is more critical than ever.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), which became mainstream in the mid-2000s, has been a key tool in enhancing security for over two decades, safeguarding online accounts by requiring multiple forms of identification, thereby adding layers of protection against unauthorized access. However, as threats have evolved, so too needs more sophisticated security measures, leading to the development of Adaptive MFA (AMFA).

Traditional MFA and its benefits

Traditional MFA improves security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing a system. This typically includes:

1. Something the user knows (Knowledge Factor): Like a password or a PIN.

2. Something the user owns (Possession Factor): Such as a smartphone or a security token.

3. Something that the user is (Inherence Factor): A biometric identifier like a fingerprint.

These layers of security make it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access, as they would need to bypass multiple barriers. MFA thereby reduces the risk associated with traditional single-factor authentication, which relies only on usernames and passwords.

Limitations of Traditional MFA

Traditional MFA applies the same security checks to all users, regardless of the context, which can sometimes create unnecessary friction. As the digital environment became more complex, the limitations of traditional or static MFA became more apparent.

That’s what led to Adaptive MFA (AMFA)

AMFA, also known as risk-based authentication, adds an ‘intelligent’ layer that assesses the context and risk of each login attempt. By analyzing factors such as user behavior, location, and device type, AMFA can adjust the authentication requirements accordingly, providing a more effective security solution. It evaluates the context of each access attempt—such as the user’s location, device, and behavior—and adjusts the security requirements based on the assessed risk.

What makes MFA adaptive?

AMFA uses key elements to assess the risk level of each login attempt and determine the appropriate level of security, for example:

  • Geolocation: The physical location of the login attempt is analyzed. Unusual or unexpected locations may trigger additional authentication steps.
  • Device Recognition: The system checks whether the device being used is recognized or trusted. New or unknown devices might require more stringent verification.
  • Behavioral Biometrics: Adaptive MFA can monitor and analyze user behavior, such as typing patterns or navigation habits, to detect anomalies that could indicate a security threat.

How does it work exactly?

Adaptive MFA couples the authentication process with real-time risk analysis. When a user attempts to log in, the system compares their current behavior and context against an established risk profile, which outlines what is considered normal for that user. If the login attempt falls within the expected parameters, access is granted with minimal additional verification. However, if the attempt appears unusual—such as logging in from a new location or device—the system assigns a higher risk score and triggers additional security challenges like answering security questions, entering a one-time password sent to a registered device, or providing biometric verification. AMFA may also use machine learning and artificial intelligence to continuously monitor user behavior throughout the session.

Key Benefits of AMFA over MFA

 

Security that adjusts based on assessed risk

Unlike static MFA, which applies the same security measures universally, AMFA evaluates contextual factors to ensure that only authorized users gain access. This dynamic approach makes it much harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

Improved user experience

Traditional MFA can be cumbersome, especially when users need to log in frequently or from familiar devices. AMFA streamlines the process by only triggering additional authentication steps when necessary.

Streamlines access from recognized devices

AMFA also improves efficiency by recognizing trusted devices and routine login behaviors. For example, if an employee regularly logs in from the same device and location during business hours, Adaptive MFA might allow them to access their account with minimal verification.

 

When considering an AMFA solution, Akku offers a standout option that combines security with a user-friendly platform. Protect your systems more effectively. Reach out to Akku today.

Save Costs and Boost Security with Automated User Provisioning and Deprovisioning

 

Provisioning and de-provisioning are critical processes in managing access to data and systems within an organization. Proper provisioning ensures new employees receive the access rights they need to perform their jobs effectively. Conversely, de-provisioning ensures access is promptly revoked when an employee leaves the organization, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Failing to provision or de-provision users correctly results in several issues.

  • Delays in provisioning mean users don’t have the access they need, and that’s productive time lost
  • Users with inappropriate access may inadvertently modify or delete important data, leading to inaccuracies
  • Former employees with lingering access, after they exit the organization, can pose significant security threats, leading to data breaches
  • Organizations may face regulatory fines and reputational damage if they fail to manage access controls

Most of these problems are caused by a manual process for provisioning and de-provisioning – here’s why.

  • Time-Consuming Processes: IT teams spend a significant amount of time creating, managing, and disabling user accounts, which can delay access for new hires and leave security gaps when employees depart. A manual process involves multiple steps and approvals, such as filling out forms, sending emails, waiting for responses, and logging into different systems, which can be tedious, repetitive, and prone to delays or failures, especially when dealing with many users or frequent changes. Automated provisioning reduces this process from days to just minutes.
  • Human Errors: Manual processes are susceptible to mistakes, such as granting incorrect access rights or failing to revoke access promptly. For example, a user may be granted access to a resource they should not have, or a user may be left with access to a resource that they no longer need. These errors can cause security breaches, compliance issues, operational problems, or data leaks.
  • Lack of Consistency: Ensuring consistent application of access policies is difficult, leading to potential security vulnerabilities. Provisioning done poorly creates problems with employee onboarding and offboarding, thus straining relationships between departments and adding unnecessary stress across an organization. Governance, risk, security, and compliance teams are frustrated when employees have too much access or access they don’t need or, worse when poor offboarding doesn’t remove access for someone who has left the organization.
  • Lack of auditability: A manual process may not provide a clear and comprehensive record of who has access to what, when, why, and how. This can make it difficult to monitor, review, and report on user activity and access rights, as well as to detect and respond to any anomalies or incidents. Manual processes may fail to meet regulatory requirements for user provisioning and de-provisioning, such as separation of duties, role-based access control, and identity verification.

A manual provisioning and de-provisioning process brings with it certain direct and indirect costs.

  • Direct Costs: The time and resources required to manage user accounts manually can add up, diverting IT staff from more strategic tasks.
  • Indirect Costs: Inconsistent access management can lead to security breaches, regulatory fines, and damage to the organization’s reputation.

That’s why it’s time to make the move to automated user provisioning and de-provisioning.

1. Access control in real-time

Automated systems ensure that new employees have instant access to the necessary resources, enhancing productivity from day one. Automated provisioning sets up access and privileges for each resource in the organization based on the employee’s role and company rules. When an admin adds, edits, or removes a user, the system automatically adjusts the access—turning it on, changing it, or turning it off. Similarly, access can be promptly revoked for departing employees, mitigating security risks.

2. Consistent application of policies

Automation enforces consistent access policies across the organization, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. By automatically giving and taking away access based on set rules, it reduces the chance of unauthorized access. This automatic system eliminates human error, lowering the risk of security breaches.

3. Reduction in administrative overhead

By automating repetitive tasks, IT teams can focus on more strategic initiatives, reducing the overall administrative burden and operational costs.

A study by Aberdeen Group found that effective onboarding can improve new hire productivity by 60% and reduce turnover by 50%. Using automation software and remote support, companies can speed up the onboarding process and help new employees get up to speed faster.

4. Minimizing the Risk of Data Breaches

Automated deprovisioning ensures that former employees no longer have access to sensitive data, significantly lowering the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. According to a Thales report, human actions can compromise security, with 44% of their survey respondents saying they’ve experienced one. In the past year alone, 14% reported a breach.

So how do you choose the right tool to automate user provisioning and deprovisioning?

  • Integration capabilities: Ensure the tool integrates with your existing systems and applications. This will reduce the time required to set up infrastructure components, such as virtual machines, databases, and networking resources, accelerating time-to-market for applications and services.
  • Scalability: As your organization grows, the number of access requests will also increase. So, choose a solution that can grow with your organization and adapt to changing needs.
  • Ease of Use: Look for tools with intuitive interfaces that simplify the setup and management of user provisioning and de-provisioning. Use automated provisioning software that can handle tasks like assigning IP addresses, configuring DNS, and setting permissions for employees and clients. This helps integrate the entire work infrastructure of an organization with just a click.

Automating user provisioning and de-provisioning is a smart investment for organizations looking to enhance security, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. But you need to implement the right automation tools so your organization can ensure immediate access control, consistent policy application, reduced administrative overhead, and minimized risk of data breaches. Our experts at Akku can help you with that. Reach out to us today.

Identifying Training Opportunities and Boosting Productivity with a User Activity Monitoring (UAM) tool

User Activity Monitoring tools (UAMs) have a bad rep, with many employees believing that they are used by employers for the sole purpose of spying on them. While this may actually be true in some cases, there are so many ways that a UAM can be of real value to an organization – for both the management and the employees. 

Helping you to identify training opportunities for your employees is among the most important benefits that using a UAM can provide. Gallup found that “hope for career growth opportunities is the number one reason people change jobs today”. By offering training to your top talent, you can upskill them and prepare them for new roles and responsibilities.

Do your employees have the skills they need?

Gartner found that “58% of the workforce will need new skill sets to do their jobs successfully”. However, do you know which employees are up-to-date in their skills, and which ones need upskilling or reskilling?

Similarly, you recruit candidates with the skills and expertise that you require for the organization, but you may request your employee to take on slightly different tasks from time to time.

As a manager, you would ask the employee if they have the skills to take on the task. However, new employees or those being considered for promotion may not be comfortable with replying honestly in the negative.

In such a situation, what does the employee do?

What usually happens in such a situation is that the employee accepts the new responsibility and agrees to deliver within the defined turnaround time. They then log on to Google to find out how to perform the task!

The worst part is that as management, all you know is that your team member is not meeting their commitments. You may think they’re lazy or inefficient. There’s a tendency to put more pressure on them, resulting in unnecessary stress and employee burnout.

Even if you have product management tools where the team logs time spent on different sub-tasks, they’re not likely to log research time. After all, they are trying to hide from management the fact that they lack the required knowledge or skills!

How can you solve this problem?

Use a User Activity Monitoring (UAM) tool to understand how the employees are performing. For instance, Akku’s UAM proxy reads users’ app activity, including which websites they are visiting and how long they’re spending time on sites like Google, Stack Overflow or Stack Exchange.

Akku then shares reports on the relevant data. By studying these reports, you can see which employees are spending an unusual amount of time on Google and other work-oriented research. You then understand that they need more training on specific subjects, and can plan reskilling accordingly.

Using a UAM right 

UAMs are often used by managers to snoop on their employees and penalize them for slacking or for time away from their device. As a result, employees try to work around the system to maintain their privacy.

A UAM is not about policing employees’ time – it’s about productivity. User activity monitoring, when it’s done right, is of great benefit to both employee and employer. Prioritize productivity by identifying skilling opportunities and delivering appropriate training content to your employees who need it, when they need it.

Work with Akku to implement UAM and improve organization productivity. Schedule a consultation with us for more information.

Increased security often means reduced efficiency. Here are 4 ways an IAM can boost productivity while staying secure.

Identity Access Management (IAM) is a collective term that covers processes and policies to manage user identities and regulate user access within an organization. It works on the principle of zero trust.

While security is critical, adding too many security measures also hampers productivity. So, as an organization, you need to find that fine balance between security and productivity, while keeping pace with digital transformation.

How does an IAM solution help you with that balance? Here are four important ways that an IAM increases productivity.

1. IAM offers efficient and easy access

IAM eliminates tedious and repetitive tasks, including logging in to multiple applications every day. The single sign-on feature of IAM is an employee’s single-point access to several applications.

Once users create their single sign-on (SSO) credentials, they’ll no longer have to waste time logging in over and over, saving time and ensuring a seamless work experience regardless of device or domain. That means fewer times that you need to log on and off; fewer passwords to recall; most important, stronger passwords that follow company-specific password policies can easily be set.

2. IAM results in simplified admin and IT processes

Single sign-on reduces IT help desk escalations and centralizes admin tasks like password updates and resets, which means there is no longer a need to manage access and authorizations in-house, or scramble to secure new applications that enter the cloud environment.

IAM tools manage all user identities and access permissions across internal systems, employee devices, and cloud-based technologies through one easy-to-use system. This means faster, more efficient provisioning and de-provisioning with fewer errors; automation of managing user identities and related access permissions, which saves time and money otherwise required to manually manage them; and greater compliance with government regulations and prepping audit-ready reports and stats.

Akku also has two additional features which not every IAM offers, which make IT administration much easier: seamless integration with Active Directory and other applications, and easy dissemination of messages and circulars through the SSO login page.

3. IAM offers better security

IAM security features are designed to enhance productivity. The multifactor authentication (MFA) feature, for instance, provides an extra layer of security while allowing employees to seamlessly transition between approved devices.

MFA requires the user to authenticate login with two or more types of identification before gaining access, offering flexibility and secure access anywhere, any time.

The right IAM also makes it easy to blacklist or whitelist access within and outside the firewall, on company-owned devices. The user therefore does not need to worry about whether or not he or she is permitted to visit a particular website. Efficiency is thus almost a guarantee.

4. IAM results in improved focus

Using an IAM means reduced distractions for your users. Employees can leverage the Internet for learning and growth, but the right IAM automates authorizations by setting rules that define user requirements and limit access to unsanctioned applications.

Specifically with Akku, you can go a step further and whitelist appropriate channels and video categories on YouTube. This means that users can still view relevant content on YouTube, without losing focus and being distracted by irrelevant videos.

Akku also allows you to block personal email and only allow professional email, even if they are accessed by the same email client.

Akku delivers a powerful cloud Single Sign-on (SSO) solution that can be integrated easily with almost any cloud or in-house application, making user provisioning, management, access control, and de-provisioning seamless. Opt for a more productive experience with Akku today. Do reach out to us and let’s get started together.

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