Reducing risk: The importance of administrative access responsibilities

In today’s digital-first environment, administrative access is essential to keeping real estate, title insurance, and mortgage operations running smoothly. From managing core production systems to supporting secure transaction workflows, administrators play a critical role behind the scenes.

However, administrative access also represents one of the most significant cybersecurity risks facing organizations today. With elevated privileges comes the ability to change configurations, access sensitive data, and override safeguards designed to protect the business. If those privileges are misunderstood, misused, or inadequately controlled, the consequences can be severe.

In this installment of the Reducing Risk series, we explore why clearly defining administrative access responsibilities is essential, the risks associated with poorly managed privileges, and practical steps organizations can take to reduce exposure while maintaining operational efficiency.

Why administrative access matters

Administrative accounts are often described as “the keys to the kingdom,” and for good reason. These accounts can create, modify, or delete users; install or remove software; change security settings; and access non-public personal information (NPI) and financial data.

In the title and mortgage industries, administrative access often extends to systems that store escrow instructions, wiring details, lender data, and personally identifiable information (PII). If compromised, an attacker can move quickly, often without detection, causing widespread disruption or financial loss.

Cybercriminals actively target administrator credentials because they provide broad, unrestricted access. At the same time, well-meaning internal users can unintentionally introduce risk through misconfiguration or lack of awareness. Both scenarios highlight why administrative responsibilities must be clearly defined and actively managed.

Key risks associated with poorly managed admin access

Organizations that fail to properly control administrative privileges face several common risks:

Expanded impact of credential theft
If an administrator’s credentials are compromised through phishing or malware, attackers may gain access to entire systems rather than a single user account. In real estate transactions, this could enable unauthorized access to wire instructions or settlement data, increasing the risk of fraud.

Configuration errors and system exposure
Administrative users who lack adequate training may unintentionally disable security controls, expose systems to the internet, or misconfigure permissions. These errors can create vulnerabilities that attackers exploit long after the change is made.

Insider threats and accountability gaps
While rare, malicious insider activity does occur. Without defined responsibilities, logging, and oversight, it becomes difficult to detect inappropriate behavior or trace changes back to specific users.

Defining clear roles and responsibilities

Reducing administrative risk starts with clarity. Organizations should establish formal guidelines that define who has administrative access, why they need it, and how it should be used.

Tiered administrative access
Not all administrators require the same level of privilege. Segmenting access based on role helps limit exposure. For example, an IT support user may need permission to reset passwords but not access financial systems or security configurations.

Documented responsibilities
Each administrative role should have clearly documented responsibilities, approved tasks, and escalation procedures. This documentation supports consistency, accountability, and audit readiness.

Training and awareness
Administrative users should receive ongoing cybersecurity training tailored to their elevated access. Topics should include secure configuration practices, recognizing social engineering attempts, and understanding the downstream impact of administrative changes.

Proactive controls that reduce risk

In addition to defining responsibilities, organizations should implement technical safeguards that reinforce secure behavior:

Least privilege enforcement
Administrative access should be granted only when necessary and reviewed regularly. Temporary access should be revoked when no longer required, such as after system upgrades or vendor support engagements.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Requiring MFA for administrative accounts significantly reduces the likelihood of successful credential-based attacks. Even if a password is compromised, additional authentication factors help prevent unauthorized access.

Logging and monitoring
Administrative activity should be logged and reviewed routinely. Monitoring changes to system settings, user permissions, and access patterns helps identify suspicious behavior early and supports rapid incident response.

Final thoughts

Administrative access is a powerful tool, and one that demands careful oversight. In the title insurance, mortgage, and real estate industries, where trust, compliance, and transaction integrity are paramount, managing administrative privileges is not optional.

By clearly defining roles, enforcing least privilege, providing targeted training, and implementing strong technical controls, organizations can significantly reduce their cybersecurity risk without slowing business operations.

Strong administrative governance helps protect sensitive data, supports regulatory compliance, and ensures that the systems driving your business remain secure and resilient.

Bruce Phillips is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for MyHome, a Williston Financial Group Company.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners. To contact the editor responsible for this piece: [email protected].