How to Suspend Cayo Software Accounts — Step-by-Step GuideSuspending user accounts in Cayo Software is an important administrative action that temporarily prevents account access without permanently deleting user data. This guide explains when to suspend accounts, the differences between suspension and deletion, pre-suspension checks, and a step-by-step walkthrough for suspending and later restoring accounts. Screenshots and exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your Cayo Software version and any customizations your organization has made.
When to suspend an account
Suspension is appropriate when you need to immediately block access but retain user data and settings. Common reasons:
- Security concerns (compromised credentials or suspicious activity)
- Policy violations (unacceptable use or breach of terms)
- Temporary leaves (extended absence, sabbatical, or unpaid leave)
- Billing or contract issues (non-payment or contract review)
Suspension vs. deletion vs. deactivation
- Suspension: Temporarily prevents login and access while preserving user data, settings, and history. Ideal for reversible actions.
- Deletion: Permanently removes an account and associated data (may be irreversible). Use only when you no longer need the account or comply with data retention policies.
- Deactivation: May be functionally similar to suspension in some systems; check whether deactivation preserves all settings and integrations in Cayo Software.
Pre-suspension checklist
Before suspending an account, complete these checks:
- Verify the reason and document authorization (manager sign-off or compliance ticket).
- Export any critical data (if needed) — user files, logs, and emails.
- Notify relevant stakeholders (HR, security, team leads) according to your internal policy.
- Review affected integrations and scheduled tasks (API keys, scheduled jobs, shared resources).
- Prepare a communication template for informing the user (if policy requires).
Permissions required
Make sure you have the proper administrative permissions in Cayo Software. Typically you’ll need an Admin or User Management role that permits account suspension and restoration. If you lack permissions, request them from your system administrator or submit an access request.
Step-by-step: Suspend an account via the Admin Console
Note: Menu names and paths may vary. Replace them with the actual names in your Cayo Software instance if different.
- Log in to Cayo Software with an account that has administrative privileges.
- Navigate to the Admin Console or User Management section (often found under Settings → Users or Admin → Accounts).
- Use the search or filtering tools to locate the user account you need to suspend. Search by username, email, or employee ID.
- Open the user’s profile page to review account details, last login, and linked resources. Confirm you’re suspending the correct user.
- Look for an action button or menu labeled “Suspend,” “Deactivate,” or similar. This may be in a dropdown beside Edit/Delete actions.
- Click “Suspend.” A confirmation dialog should appear. Enter the reason for suspension (if prompted) and select any related options (e.g., revoke sessions, disable API keys, retain data).
- Confirm the suspension. The account status should change to “Suspended,” “Inactive,” or similar. Session revocation should immediately log out any active sessions.
- Record the action in your audit log or ticketing system, including the reason, approver, and timestamp.
Step-by-step: Suspend via API or CLI
If you manage accounts programmatically, Cayo Software may provide an API endpoint or CLI tool to suspend accounts.
Example (pseudo-HTTP request):
POST /api/v1/users/{user_id}/suspend Authorization: Bearer <admin_token> Content-Type: application/json { "reason": "Security incident - compromised credentials", "revoke_sessions": true }
Check your Cayo API docs for exact endpoints, required scopes, and response formats. Always test API calls in a staging environment before running in production.
Revoke access to related services
Suspending the account in Cayo Software may not automatically block third-party services (SSO providers, shared cloud drives, integrated apps). After suspension:
- Disable SSO or update identity provider rules if integrated.
- Revoke or rotate any API keys or tokens associated with the user.
- Update shared resource permissions (folders, calendars, chat groups).
- Suspend access in connected systems (HRIS, payroll, CRM) if required by policy.
Notifying the user and stakeholders
Determine whether to inform the user depending on legal and policy requirements. If notifying:
- Use a neutral, factual template stating the suspension reason and duration.
- Provide contact information for HR or support for appeals or questions.
- Retain records of the notification for compliance.
Sample short notification: “Your Cayo Software account has been suspended effective [date]. Reason: [brief reason]. For questions, contact [email protected].”
Restoring a suspended account
To reinstate access:
- Confirm authorization to restore (manager or HR approval).
- Navigate to the suspended user’s profile in Admin Console.
- Click “Restore,” “Reactivate,” or similar. Optionally re-enable API keys and reassign sessions.
- Inform the user and stakeholders once access is restored.
- Verify access and functionality (login, shared resources, integrations).
Audit logging and compliance
Keep detailed logs of suspension and restoration actions for audits:
- Who performed the action and approver
- Reason and supporting documentation
- Time and duration of suspension
- Any data exports or revocations performed
Configure automated retention of these logs according to your compliance needs.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Suspended user still has access: Verify session revocation, SSO rules, and third-party integrations. Force password reset or revoke tokens.
- Cannot find Suspend option: Check your role/permissions or contact another admin. Menu placement may vary by version.
- Suspension broke integrations: Reassess which services expect active user accounts; use service accounts where possible to avoid disruption.
Best practices
- Use suspension for temporary access control; avoid deletion unless necessary.
- Automate suspension workflows tied to HR events (termination, leave) to reduce human error.
- Regularly audit suspended accounts and set retention/cleanup rules.
- Maintain clear approval and notification processes.
Example policy snippet (template)
Policy: Account Suspension
- Purpose: To protect company assets while preserving user data.
- Authorization: Suspensions must be approved by the user’s manager or security lead.
- Actions: Immediately suspend access, revoke sessions, and document actions.
- Review: Suspensions over 90 days require escalation to Legal for data retention review.
If you want, I can convert this into a printable checklist, a short email template set for notifications, or provide API examples using your Cayo Software API specification.