Why is timely revocation of access rights important after employee exits?

Timely revocation of access rights after an employee exits is crucial primarily to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. When an employee leaves an organization, especially one like the Department of Defense, they often have access to confidential and classified data. If access rights are not revoked promptly, there is a risk that the former employee could misuse this access, whether intentionally or unintentionally, thereby putting sensitive information at risk.

The potential for data breaches increases significantly if access permissions remain active. Unauthorized individuals could exploit lingering access to sensitive systems or data, which could lead to information leaks, compliance violations, and security incidents. Therefore, ensuring that access rights are revoked swiftly acts as a vital safeguard against possible security threats.

Other choices, while related to the broader context of employee management and organizational efficiency, do not directly address the primary security concern associated with maintaining access privileges post-employment.