Why are access reviews important?

Without regular access reviews, Microsoft 365 environments inevitably drift into permission chaos. Users accumulate access they no longer need, external contractors keep their permissions long after projects end, and sensitive data slowly spreads into general-purpose sites and teams. Or a site that was once shared broadly might later contain HR or finance documents, creating unnecessary exposure and risk.

This gradual permission creep not only increases the chance of data leakage but also undermines compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and NIS 2, all of which require clear and demonstrable controls around access management.

Access reviews act as the corrective measure. They restore order, enforce least privilege, and ensure that access aligns with current roles and responsibilities. They’re not bureaucratic overhead. They’re the invisible guardrails that keep collaboration safe, compliant, and trustworthy. This is why access reviews are important.