What is Provisioning and Deprovisioning?

What is provisioning?

Provisioning refers to the process of preparing and equipping a user, system, device, or resource with the necessary tools, applications, and configurations to make ready for use. In the context of IT, provisioning typically involves setting up and configuring hardware and software resources for use by individuals or groups. For example, provisioning a server might involve installing an operating system, configuring network settings, and setting up user accounts and permissions.

Provisioning can be performed manually, but in many cases, it is automated through the use of provisioning tools or software. These tools can help streamline the process, reduce errors, and enable consistent configurations across multiple systems. Provisioning can also refer to the process of providing goods or services, such as provisioning a new employee with necessary equipment and access to company resources.

Provisioning can be classified into three categories:

• User Provisioning: creating new user accounts and assigning roles, permissions, and access to various applications and resources.

• System Provisioning: configuring and setting up the necessary software and hardware resources required to support the user accounts.

• Automated Provisioning: using software tools and scripts to automate the process of provisioning user accounts and resources, reducing manual effort and errors.

Effective provisioning can help organizations maintain control over their systems and data while also enabling their users to be productive and efficient in their work.

What is deprovisioning?

Deprovisioning is the process of removing access to a system, device, or resource when it is no longer needed or when an individual no longer requires access to it. This can include removing user accounts, deleting data, revoking permissions, and disabling network access.

Deprovisioning is an important part of IT security, as it helps ensure that resources are only accessible to authorized users, and can help prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. Deprovisioning is also important for compliance with regulations and policies related to data privacy and security.

Deprovisioning can be done manually, but in many cases, it is automated through the use of deprovisioning tools or software. These tools can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken to remove access and data, and can help reduce errors and streamline the process.

In addition to IT security, deprovisioning is also important for managing resources and reducing costs. By removing access to systems and services that are no longer needed, organizations can reduce the number of licenses and resources they need to maintain, which can lead to cost savings.

Importance of provisioning and deprovisioning

Provisioning and deprovisioning are important processes in managing resources, access, and privileges for users within an organization. They ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information, and that access is removed when it is no longer necessary. Additionally, these processes can help organizations reduce costs associated with managing and maintaining unnecessary access and privileges.

Introducing just-in-time access with accurate provisioning and deprovisioning of access is a security best practice as it ensures that individuals have access to what they need, when they need it, and no longer than they need it for.

Summary -

Provisioning is the process of preparing and equipping a user account, system, or device with the tools, apps, and configurations so it is ready to go for the employee’s ease of use when they gain access. Deprovisioning is exactly the opposite, it is the process of removing access to certain resources when it is no longer needed. Ensuring that access is accurately and efficiently provisioned and deprovisioned is essential to increasing the security posture and the safety of your more sensitive information.