What is the consequence when a user logs in to the Sophos Firewall as part of multiple groups?

When a user logs into the Sophos Firewall and is a member of multiple groups, the pivotal factor is how the system determines which group is considered active. In this scenario, the firewall evaluates the groups and identifies the first matched group that aligns with the user's attributes and permissions. This means that as soon as it identifies a matching group during its process, it will activate that group, thereby overriding the potential activation of any subsequent groups the user may belong to.

This behavior is essential for ensuring that the firewall can efficiently apply the correct policies and configurations to the user's session based on their initial match, providing a streamlined and effective security posture. Consequently, it helps in managing access rights and permissions without the complexity of handling multiple group effects simultaneously, which could lead to conflicts or confusion regarding user privileges.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for administrators when designing group policies and determining how they interact with user logins and access controls.