Another case of "Security Theatre" - this time - how to secure contactors PCs

During a security community gathering earlier this week I was staggered to hear a "security expert" cite a supposed best practise of giving contractors machines (to ensureĀ a secure environment) AND the administrator password! Perhaps this is just a rant but I couldn't quite believe my ears. Why on Earth give the admin credentials to someone who's a temporary worker who doesn't actually need to change the configuration of the machine!