Bytes Cyber Journal: Entry 8 - The Identity Maturity Curve
Thursday 5th September 2024
The Identity Maturity Curve
The Evolution of Identity Security
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital identity, the concept of Identity and Access Management (IAM) has long stood as the cornerstone of organisational security. Traditionally, IAM was deemed sufficient to meet the security needs of businesses. However, as companies have progressed, so too have the complexities of managing identities. With the maturation of customers' understanding and expectations, we've witnessed a paradigm shift towards more sophisticated mechanisms. Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Identity Governance (IGA) have emerged as critical components in the identity maturity curve, addressing the growing demands for tighter security controls and compliance requirements. This evolution reflects a deeper recognition of identity as a pivotal asset in the protection and facilitation of business operations.
The Challenge
Organisations have relied on Identity and Access Management (IAM) controls to safeguard their infrastructure. Traditionally, IAM has been centred around Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) protocols, which have served as the bedrock of user identity verification and access rights management. However, as cyber threats have become more sophisticated and evolution of base standards occurs, these measures have transitioned from being cutting-edge to commonplace, forcing a shift towards more advanced security frameworks.
PAM and IGA have emerged as the new vanguards in this domain. PAM, with its stringent oversight of privileged accounts, ensures that the most sensitive access points are meticulously monitored and controlled. Meanwhile, IGA's focus on segregation of duties and Access Reviews in particular introduces a granular level of scrutiny, ensuring that rights and permissions are not only appropriately assigned but also regularly reassessed to align with the dynamic needs of the business. This transition marks a significant challenge for organizations as they strive to implement these sophisticated controls without disrupting existing operations. The shift also underscores a broader trend in cybersecurity: the move from static, one-size-fits-all solutions to dynamic, nuanced, and adaptive security measures that can keep up with the rapid changes in technology and threat landscapes. As such, the challenge for today's businesses is not just about adopting PAM and IGA controls but integrating them into a cohesive security strategy that remains one step ahead of potential risks.
Furthermore, PAM and IGA are critical components for businesses aiming to enhance their cybersecurity posture. As previously mentioned, PAM ensures that access to sensitive systems is securely managed and monitored, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. This is particularly important when seeking cybersecurity accreditations such as Cyber Essentials+, as it demonstrates a robust security framework. Similarly, IGA provides a comprehensive approach to managing and auditing user identities and access rights, streamlining compliance processes and improving operational efficiency. Together, PAM and IGA not only fortify a company's defences against cyber threats but also contribute to lowering cyber insurance premiums by showcasing a commitment to stringent security practices. For businesses looking to mature, investing in PAM and IGA is a strategic move that can lead to significant financial and reputational benefits.
What To Do Next
The user’s ‘identity’ should be deemed the new security perimeter. The principal of the forementioned philosophy is easy to understand, however, the difficulty lies in how to determine the best approach for your business needs. You can read more in my previous blog here:
There are two routes to take:
Migrating IDP: I have written business cases for companies that favour migrating their IDP (Identity Provider) away from their current Microsoft identity-based architecture in order to reap the benefits of greater control and more granular functionality such as gaining the ability to apply that PAM methodology of session recording to sensitive browser-based applications such as HR and finance systems.
Continue with existing IDP: For others, business continuity trumps additional functionality for example, continuing to leverage current directories and authentication protocols but placing more emphasis on specific role-based access control (RBAC). Ultimately, that decision needs to be made before choosing a product which will more than likely be in place for the next 10 years.
“According to a recent study, nearly 78% of companies have disclosed an identity-related data breach that has negatively affected their operations. Furthermore, 96 percent of respondents believe that the hack and its consequences could have been avoided if they had stronger identity-based zero-trust measures.”
The alarming frequency of identity-related data breaches, as highlighted by the recent study where 78% of companies reported such incidents, underscores the critical vulnerabilities within corporate security frameworks. These breaches not only disrupt operations but also entail substantial financial and reputational damages. The study's revelation that 96% of respondents agree on the preventability of these hacks through enhanced identity-based measures which point to a significant oversight in current security protocols hence the fast adoption of identity maturity.
How Bytes Can Help
As I previously alluded to, there are two sides to the ‘identity’ coin – an enhanced IAM approach with levels of additional functionality or the commitment to an IGA platform. Our aim as a team is to leverage our knowledge and experience of the identity market over the last several years in which we have witnessed the market shifts to discuss all possible options with you and your team through our dedicated Identity Market Overview and produce a recommendation document for you that will be driven by your use cases and business objectives.
Thank you for reading.
If you have any questions, or would like to learn about any of the content covered in this blog, please email our friendly team via [email protected]
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