Employee Offboarding: The IT Checklist Every Business Needs

Why offboarding is a security issue

When someone leaves, their accounts, devices, and access do not disappear on their own. Forgotten logins and un-returned laptops are a common and avoidable way sensitive data walks out the door.

The checklist

• Disable email and account logins on the last day, not a week later
• Revoke access to cloud apps, shared drives, and remote access
• Collect company devices, or wipe them remotely if they are not returned
• Transfer ownership of important files, mailboxes, and documents
• Change any shared passwords the person knew
• Remove them from any building or system access lists

Do it the same day

The riskiest window is the gap between someone leaving and their access being removed. The cleanest approach is to have this checklist ready in advance so it can all happen on the final day, calmly and completely.