The recent wave of supply chain attacks targeting major software companies like Dropbox, Microsoft, and Okta has shed light on the vulnerabilities associated with non-human identities (NHIs). As organizations increasingly rely on automation and Gen-AI tools, the need to secure these non-human identities has never been more critical.
Non-human identities, such as API keys, OAuth tokens, and service accounts, play a crucial role in enabling applications, services, and automated processes to communicate within a network. However, these credentials often lack the robust security measures that protect human user identities, making them susceptible to exploitation by threat actors.
With an estimated 20,000 non-human identities for every 1,000 employees created daily, security teams face a daunting task of monitoring and governing NHIs effectively. Hackers target these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to critical systems and sensitive data, highlighting the urgent need for organizations to fortify their security strategies.
The rise of supply chain attacks further underscores the importance of addressing the identity challenge posed by NHIs. By targeting software providers, cybercriminals can infiltrate multiple networks, gaining access to valuable data across various organizations. The complex nature of modern business ecosystems, characterized by automation and cloud environments, adds another layer of complexity to managing and securing non-human identities.
To protect against NHI-related threats, organizations must adopt a comprehensive security strategy that aligns privacy, third-party risk management, and incident response efforts. By maintaining a continuous and real-time inventory of all connected NHIs, security teams can identify and prioritize risky connections to mitigate potential threats promptly.
Furthermore, focusing on remediation efforts and being proactive in creating activity logs and automated workflows can help organizations manage atypical NHI activity and other potential risks effectively. Collaboration with vendors is also crucial, as discussing strategies and tactics for securing non-human identities can enhance overall cybersecurity posture and resilience.
In conclusion, the escalating risks associated with non-human identities underscore the need for organizations to prioritize securing these credentials. By implementing robust security measures, maintaining visibility into connected NHIs, and collaborating with vendors, businesses can mitigate the threat of supply chain attacks and protect their valuable data assets from unauthorized access.
Idan Gour, CTO and co-founder of Astrix Security, brings a wealth of cybersecurity expertise to the discussion of safeguarding non-human identities. With a background in military intelligence and software development, Gour advocates for proactive measures to address the evolving challenges posed by NHIs in today’s digital landscape. It is imperative for organizations to stay ahead of cyber threats by prioritizing the security of non-human identities and embracing collaboration with industry partners to enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.