Nøkkelansvar

Nøkkelansvar is a concept used in Norwegian organizations to describe the assignment of accountability for keys and access to assets, facilities, or information systems. It covers physical keys as well as electronic credentials and tokens that unlock resources, ensuring controlled and traceable access.

The aim is to ensure that access is granted only to authorized individuals and that use is auditable. Core elements include clear ownership, defined custody, formal issuance and revocation procedures, accurate key inventories, and logging of access events.

A designated nøkkelansvarlig or key custodian is responsible for maintaining a current register, protecting keys from loss or theft, and coordinating with security, IT, and HR during personnel changes. Responsibilities typically include issuing keys, recording holders, returning keys at termination, and training users.

Effective nøkkelansvar requires a formal policy integrated into security governance. It supports risk reduction, regulatory compliance, and business continuity, but demands regular audits, proper resource allocation, and clear escalation procedures for incidents and key-related breaches.

In practice, nøkkelansvar applies in offices, data centers, laboratories, and any facility with controlled access. It complements other controls such as access-control systems, visitor management, and surveillance to create layered physical security.