To maintain user access without comprimising security, you need to first make sure that you implement multi-factor authentication. This is to ensure that only the authorized users are able to access the system or devices. You should also regularly update the operating system. This is so that it would always be equiped with the newest security system in order to avoid a security breach. You could also regularly conduct security audits. This is to check for how frequent a cyber attack or attempted one occurs.

Make sure that definition of least privilege for a given job role actually matches up with the functionality required. There are few ways to frustrate a user faster than when they try to perform some action that they really need to do but are stopped by overly restrictive or out-of-date RBAC. Make a cadence item to periodically review those RBAC definitions. IAM based restrictions are necessary but insuffient to fully control a user's behavior. Use automation to detect when a user has performed an allowed action that resulted in an insecure configuration. Ideally, the automation fixes the problem too, thus keeping the attack window as short as possible.

From my experience, balancing user access with strong security is about finding the sweet spot between convenience and protection. I’ve learned that implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a game-changer—it adds a critical layer of security without making users feel overwhelmed. Clear role-based access control (RBAC) ensures users only access what they need, reducing risk without causing frustration. Regularly reviewing permissions is also key; I’ve seen firsthand how outdated access can lead to vulnerabilities. Finally, involving users through training helps them understand why these measures matter, fostering a security-first mindset without sacrificing usability.