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Architecting Administrative Authority: The Triad Access Model in Hexnode UEM
Executive Summary
Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) in Unified Endpoint Management
The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) is a cybersecurity strategy that limits administrative access to the minimum permissions required for task execution.
Within a Unified Endpoint Management environment, PoLP prevents excessive administrative exposure by eliminating unrestricted or global access models. Hexnode UEM enforces PoLP using a structured Triad Access Model, consisting of Identity, Permission, and Scope. This model ensures that technicians cannot view data, manage devices, or perform remote actions beyond their defined functional responsibilities or regional jurisdiction.
What Is the Difference Between Functional and Regional Silos?
In UEM authority design, administrative access is intentionally segmented into two silo models to maintain operational control and risk containment.
| Silo Type | Definition | Hexnode UEM Illustration |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Silo | Access constrained by capability or task. The technician is limited by what actions they can perform. | Apps Manager can manage enterprise applications across the organization but cannot wipe devices or access location data. |
| Regional Silo | Access constrained by jurisdiction or geography. The technician is limited by where actions can be executed. | London Office Admin has full administrative permissions but only for devices and users assigned to the London branch. |
Functional silos reduce operational risk by isolating specialist tools. Regional silos reduce blast radius by limiting asset visibility.
The Hexnode Triad Access Model
The Triad Access Model is the enforcement framework used to architect administrative authority. Every console action is validated through three independent control layers.
Layer 1: Identity
The Who
Identity verifies the legitimacy of the technician before any console access is granted.
Identity Controls
- Single Sign On integrations with Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, and Okta
- Multi Factor Authentication using TOTP or SMS based verification
- Session protection mechanisms including CAPTCHA and automatic logout
Security Outcome Prevents unauthorized access even when credentials are compromised.
Layer 2: Permission
The What
Permissions define which administrative tools and actions are available after identity verification.
Permission Models in Hexnode UEM
Predefined Roles
- Super Admin with unrestricted platform control
- Admin with full operational permissions
- Apps and Reports Manager
- Reports Manager
Custom Roles Available in Ultra and Ultimate plans, custom roles enable granular authorization:
- Tab Level Control: Allow or deny access to console sections such as Policies, Enrollment, or Content
- Action Level Control: Enable or restrict individual remote actions such as Remote View, Remote Control, or Remote Wipe
System Enforced Hard Constraints Regardless of role customization, the following actions remain restricted to protect platform integrity:
- Deleting APNS certificates
- Disenrolling Android Enterprise organizations
- Modifying API or billing configurations
Security Outcome Prevents privilege escalation and protects critical infrastructure components.
Layer 3: Scope
The Where
Scope defines the boundary within which permissions can be exercised.
Scope Assignment Targets
- Devices
- Device Groups
- Users
- User Groups
- Domains
Dynamic Scope Enforcement
- Technicians can only create or modify Dynamic Groups if their scope includes all devices
- Prevents regional administrators from unintentionally interacting with global or executive assets
Security Outcome Ensures permissions cannot be misapplied outside authorized asset boundaries.
Technical Implementation Workflow
Enforcing PoLP in Hexnode UEM
Administrators should follow this structured sequence to implement PoLP effectively:
- Define Permissions Navigate to Admin > Technicians and Roles > Add Role to configure predefined or custom permissions.
- Verify Identity Configure Single Sign On and Multi Factor Authentication while adding the technician.
- Assign Scope Use the Define Scope option to bind the technician to approved departments, regions, or device categories.
Strategic Outcome
By combining Identity verification, Permission granularity, and Scope enforcement, Hexnode UEM transforms administrative access from a flat trust model into a layered authority architecture aligned with the Principle of Least Privilege.
