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Bytes - Smarter together

Identity Unpacked: The Foundations of Reducing Cyber Risk and Establishing a Security Maturity Model

Monday 17th February 2025

 
Nicole Chesworth
Pre-Sales Cyber Security Consultant
Author
 
Daniela Miccardi
Cyber Security Marketing Manager
Editor

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber security, the concept of identity has emerged as a cornerstone in protecting organisations from threats and mitigating risks. Identity management is not just a facet of cyber security; it is the bedrock upon which robust security measures are built.

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the importance of securing identities or rather limiting the identity attack surface to reduce cyber risk and establish a security maturity model cannot be overstated. 

Identity as the Foundation of a Security Maturity Model 

A security maturity model is a framework that helps organisations assess their current security posture and identify areas for improvement. Identity management is a fundamental component of this model, serving as the foundation upon which more advanced security measures are built.  

Here’s how identity fits into a security maturity model. 

Initial Stage: Establishing Identity Governance 

The first step in any security maturity model is to establish comprehensive identity governance.

This stage involves: 

  1. Defining Roles and Responsibilities - Clearly defining user roles and their associated access permissions is crucial. This clarity ensures that users only access the information and systems necessary for their duties. 

  1. Implementing Access Controls - Setting up access controls based on predefined roles helps in maintaining the integrity of sensitive data and systems. 

  1. Regular Audits and Reviews - Conducting regular audits and reviews of access permissions helps in identifying any discrepancies and ensuring compliance with security policies. 

Intermediate Stage: Enhancing Identity Management 

As organisations progress in their security maturity journey, they need to enhance their identity management practices.

This stage involves: 

  1. Integrating Identity Solutions - Integrating identity management solutions with other security tools, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, enhances overall security posture. 

  1. Automating Identity Processes - Automation of identity provisioning, de-provisioning, and access reviews reduces the risk of human error and ensures timely updates to access permissions. 

  1. Strengthening Authentication Mechanisms - Implementing stronger authentication mechanisms, such as MFA and biometrics, adds additional layers of security. Additionally, considering advanced methods like passwordless authentication (FIDO2, passkeys) and phishing-resistant MFA to future-proof security recommendations and align with industry trends. 

Advanced Stage: Identity-Centric Security Architecture 

In the advanced stage of a security maturity model, identity management becomes the core of an organisation's security architecture. This stage involves: 

  1. Zero Trust Model - Organisations can adopt Zero Trust incrementally by focusing on its three core principles: verify explicitly, apply least privilege access, and assume breach. This approach makes the shift more manageable and actionable. Adopting a zero-trust model, where no user or device is trusted by default, and continuous verification of identity and access is required. 

  1. Behavioural Analytics - Leveraging behavioural analytics to detect anomalies in user behaviour, providing an additional layer of security against compromised identities. This can be further enhanced with adaptive authentication, which dynamically adjusts access based on the detected risk. 

  1. Adaptive Access Controls - Implementing adaptive access controls that adjust permissions based on the context of user actions, such as location, device, and behaviour patterns. 

  1. Identity Threat Detection & Response (ITDR) - Security teams focus on real-time identity threat monitoring using tools like Microsoft Entra ID Protection to detect compromised credentials before they are exploited. This ties in with behavioural analytics, offering a proactive approach to identity threat management. 

The Road Ahead 

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must the strategies to combat them. Identity management will remain a critical component of cybersecurity, providing the foundation for reducing cyber risk and establishing a security maturity model.

Organisations must continuously evaluate and enhance their identity management practices to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure the security of their data and systems. 

By prioritising identity management and recognising it as a potential attack surface, organisations can build a robust defence against cyber threats and pave the way for a mature and adaptive security posture that is resilient. 

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