Subject: SAP-User-Access-Review
Domain: SAP Security and Access Management
SAP Emergency Access Management (EAM), often referred to as Firefighter Access, is a specialized access control mechanism designed to provide temporary, elevated privileges to users for performing critical or emergency tasks in SAP systems. This process ensures that emergency access is controlled, monitored, and audited to reduce security risks while enabling quick resolution of urgent business issues.
In large SAP landscapes, certain tasks require access beyond standard user permissions — such as system fixes, urgent data corrections, or critical administrative functions. Providing such privileged access continuously poses a significant risk to the organization. SAP EAM balances the need for rapid access with robust control by:
Temporary Elevated Access
Users can request emergency roles with broad authorizations temporarily, usually for a limited time window.
Logging and Monitoring
All emergency access sessions are fully logged, capturing transaction usage and activities for later review.
Access Request and Approval Workflow
Emergency access typically requires prior approval or is recorded for post-usage review.
Audit Trail and Reporting
Detailed reports and audit trails enable security teams and auditors to review emergency access use and identify any anomalies or policy violations.
SAP creates dedicated emergency roles or Firefighter IDs with broad, high-level permissions that cover critical system and business processes.
Users request emergency access either via SAP GRC Access Control or through manual processes. Once granted, the user assumes the Firefighter role temporarily.
During the emergency session, all actions are logged, including transactions executed and data changes made.
After the session, security or compliance teams review the logs and validate that the access was appropriate and no misuse occurred.
SAP Emergency Access Management is a crucial element in the overall User Access Review (UAR) framework:
SAP Emergency Access Management is a vital control mechanism in SAP security, enabling organizations to provide critical, temporary access without compromising compliance or security. When integrated with User Access Review processes, EAM strengthens governance by ensuring emergency privileges are granted responsibly, monitored thoroughly, and reviewed promptly.
Implementing a robust SAP EAM process helps organizations meet stringent audit requirements while maintaining business agility during critical situations.