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Access reviews / Field note

Make an access review a real decision

A review is more than a spreadsheet export. Give the reviewer enough context to make and record a defensible choice.

Illustration of organized compliance work
01

Define the review

Start by defining the systems, people, roles and review period in scope. Make sure the reviewer can understand what each access level allows and why the person needs it.

02

Record a real decision

For each account, record a clear outcome such as retain or revoke, together with a short reason when the decision needs context. Route exceptions to an owner and set a follow-up date.

03

Close the loop

Close the loop by confirming that approved changes were made, keeping the review record and planning the next cycle. Where possible, the reviewer should be independent of the access they are evaluating.

Bring it into your next review.

A review is complete when decisions have been recorded and agreed changes followed through.

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