As companies expand and their workforces grow, the challenge of controlling access to sensitive information becomes more complex. One highly effective strategy that organizations use to maintain security is the “Joiner-Mover-Leaver.” or “JML” process. This structured approach to identity lifecycle management is key in ensuring that the right people have access to the right resources at the right time—no more, no less.
In this article, we’ll explore what the JML framework is, how it works, and why it’s essential for modern businesses to safeguard their data and systems.
What Is the Joiner-Mover-Leaver Process?
The Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) process is a framework used by organizations to manage user access rights throughout the employment lifecycle. It focuses on three critical phases: when an employee “joins” a company, when they “move” to a different role or department, and when they “leave” the organization. The objective of the JML process is to grant, adjust, or revoke access permissions based on the individual’s current role within the company, ensuring that employees only have the access needed to perform their jobs.
This framework is closely tied to the “principle of least privilege,” which dictates that users should only be granted the minimal level of access necessary to perform their work. Following this principle helps protect against both insider threats and external attacks, as it minimizes the potential damage that can occur if an account is compromised.
The Joiner Phase: Onboarding Employees Securely
The “Joiner” phase refers to the onboarding process when an individual first joins the company. This is the point at which access rights are initially granted, and it’s crucial that organizations approach this phase with security in mind. When an employee is brought on board, their role within the organization is defined, and access to systems, applications, and data is granted accordingly.
Typically, the Human Resources (HR) team initiates the onboarding process, with an Identity and Access Management (IAM) system automatically provisioning access based on the new hire’s job role. In some cases, access requests might require approval from managers or department heads to ensure that the right permissions are being assigned. By automating this process, businesses
can significantly reduce the risk of human error, where incorrect permissions might be granted or crucial access might be overlooked.
The goal of this phase is to provide the new employee with access to the tools they need to be productive without overexposing sensitive systems or data. This phase is vital because improper access during onboarding can lead to significant security risks, including data breaches and unauthorized access to confidential information.
The Mover Phase: Adjusting Access as Employees Change Roles
Over time, employees may move to new positions or departments within the organization, and the “Mover” phase is designed to manage these transitions effectively. As employees change roles, their responsibilities and access needs evolve. This phase of the JML process ensures that an employee’s access rights are updated accordingly—granting access to new systems while removing access to those no longer required.
For example, when an employee is promoted or transferred to a different department, the IAM system will identify the change (usually triggered by an update in the HR system) and modify the employee’s access permissions. New access is granted to systems and resources needed for the new role, while previous permissions are revoked to avoid lingering access to systems that are no longer relevant.
Managing access during this phase is particularly challenging because roles within an organization can shift frequently. Without a structured JML process in place, businesses risk leaving outdated or excessive permissions in place, which can create security gaps that malicious actors may exploit.
A well-executed Mover phase helps prevent insider threats by ensuring employees only have the access they need in their current role, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized data access or breaches.
The Leaver Phase: Securing the Offboarding Process
The final phase of the JML process is the “Leaver” phase, which occurs when an employee departs the company. Whether the individual leaves through resignation, termination, or retirement, it’s crucial to promptly and comprehensively revoke their access to all company systems and data. Failure to do so can leave businesses vulnerable to security breaches, as former employees with lingering access can cause significant damage, either intentionally or unintentionally.
The Leaver phase begins when the HR system registers the employee’s departure. The IAM system is then triggered to revoke all of the individual’s access rights, ensuring they no longer have access to any company resources. This phase is often accompanied by additional security measures, such as reviewing shared credentials or conducting audits to ensure that no access methods remain active.
Without a well-structured offboarding process, businesses expose themselves to significant risks. Former employees, particularly those leaving on bad terms, can become insider threats if their access isn’t properly revoked. Even if there is no malicious intent, individuals with leftover access could inadvertently expose sensitive data or weaken the organization’s overall security.
Why Is the Joiner-Mover-Leaver Process So Important for Business Security?
The JML framework is a cornerstone of **Identity and Access Management (IAM)**, and its importance in modern business security cannot be overstated. Here’s why implementing JML is crucial for maintaining a secure environment:
First, the JML process reduces insider threats, which are among the most difficult security challenges to address. By enforcing the principle of least privilege at each stage—whether an employee is joining, moving within the company, or leaving—businesses can limit the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. This proactive approach ensures that employees only access the resources they need, minimizing the potential for both accidental and intentional misuse.
Many industries must comply with stringent data protection laws, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, which require businesses to manage access to sensitive information responsibly. The JML process helps ensure that access rights are consistently reviewed and updated, generating audit trails that make it easier for businesses to demonstrate compliance during regulatory assessments.
Implementing JML also enhances operational efficiency. Manually managing user access across an organization is time-consuming and prone to errors. Automating the JML process through an IAM system reduces the administrative burden on IT and HR teams while ensuring that employees receive timely access to the tools they need to perform their jobs effectively.
In addition, JML helps prevent data breaches by closing security gaps related to improper access control. When businesses fail to adjust or revoke permissions as employees move through the organization, they increase the risk of data exposure. The JML framework ensures that access rights are continually updated and monitored, mitigating the risk of breaches resulting from outdated permissions.
Finally, adopting a robust JML process helps protect an organization’s reputation. Data breaches can cause significant damage to a company’s brand, leading to loss of customer trust, financial penalties, and long-term harm to the business. By proactively managing employee access throughout their lifecycle, companies demonstrate a strong commitment to security, building trust among clients and stakeholders.
Conclusion
The Joiner-Mover-Leaver process is an essential component of business security. By structuring access management at each stage of an employee’s lifecycle—whether they are joining, moving, or leaving—organizations can protect their sensitive data, reduce insider threats, and stay compliant with industry regulations. As the complexity of business environments increases, the JML framework provides a scalable, automated solution that enhances security while improving operational efficiency. By adopting JML, businesses can create a safer and more secure work environment that protects both their data and their reputation.
