When someone leaves your company, your job isn’t done when they turn in their badge. If their access to your systems is still active, you’ve got a problem. And not a small one. We’re talking about exposed company files, unlocked customer data, and admin-level access that’s still in the wrong hands. This kind of oversight isn’t just sloppy—it’s dangerous. One missed account can lead to a data breach, compliance failure, or outright sabotage. Frustrated employees with deep system access can do real damage on their way out—don’t wait to manage that risk

In this week’s Tech Tip Tuesday, we’re looking at the IT side of offboarding—what too many companies overlook, and what needs to happen every time someone exits. This isn’t about paperwork or turning in equipment. It’s about shutting the door before anything gets out (or back in). Offboarding is a security process, not just an HR one. And it’s especially critical when the employee had a high-level role or privileged access. If you do not have offboarding procedure you should create one.

Here’s what’s at stake:

If former employees still have access to:

• Shared folders with company IP
• Email accounts tied to clients or vendors
• Business Apps with sensitive customer data
• Admin dashboards with system-wide controls

…you’re wide open to loss, leaks, and liability. These aren’t theoretical risks. This happens all the time, and it only takes one missed login to do real damage. Whether it’s accidental misuse or intentional sabotage, the result is the same: you’re cleaning up a mess that should’ve never happened.

Here’s how to shut it down—properly:

1. Start with a full access inventory: Keep a current list of every app, tool, file system, and platform each employee uses. Without this, you’re flying blind.
2. Loop in IT before the exit conversation: Your IT team should be ready to cut off access the moment the employee leaves—not a day later.
3. Secure the data before pulling the plug: Back up files, transfer ownership of email accounts, and lock down anything they were working on.
4. Reset every shared password: Don’t assume “they wouldn’t use it.” Shared credentials are a ticking time bomb.
5. Log them out of all devices—especially remote ones: For remote employees or anyone with personal devices connected to company systems, force sign-outs immediately. This closes any open sessions and kills access fast.
6. Prioritize based on privilege: Someone in sales doesn’t pose the same risk as your sysadmin. Offboard with that in mind.
7. Automate wherever possible: Manual checklists miss things. Use tools that instantly revoke access across all systems.
8. Kill VPN, SSO, and MFA tokens: These are often still live after someone leaves. That’s a direct tunnel back into your network.
9. Coordinate across teams: HR, IT, and security must be in sync. If one team’s out of the loop, the whole plan fails.
10. Run quarterly audits of former employee access: People forget to shut things down. Check for ghost accounts, leftover permissions, and dormant logins.

Bottom line:

You can’t afford to leave your systems unlocked after someone leaves—especially if they had access to sensitive tools or data. Proper offboarding is a critical layer of your security posture. If your process isn’t tight, you’re not just taking a risk—you’re inviting a problem.

If you’re unsure whether your offboarding checklist covers everything, we can help review and lock it down. Better safe now than sorry later.

Need help? We’re here to assist. Feel free to contact us at 818-501-2281 for more information.