Identity security has become a critical concern for organizations as the use of stolen credentials and identity compromises continue to be a top attack trajectory. In fact, in the past year alone, 84% of organizations have experienced an identity-related breach, and a staggering 61% of all cyberattacks are based on stolen credentials. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for organizations to prioritize identity security and management to stay ahead of attackers.
The landscape of identity security consists of five notable parts that work together to form a defense. The first three parts, Identity Provisioning Governance and Administration (IGA), Identity Access Management (IAM) & Privileged Access Management (PAM), and Directory Service (DS), are already well-established identity components that are widely deployed by organizations.
IGA focuses on governing and administering identities for all users and applications within an organization’s network. It provides easy and automated access for authorized users while also defending against unauthorized access attempts. IAM and PAM, on the other hand, manage digital identities within an organization, with IAM focused on identity management and validation of credentials, while PAM validates access to specific resources based on attributes.
DS, or Directory Service, is like an identity database where information about users, applications, and resources is stored. It includes usernames, passwords, device locations, and other important details that differentiate legitimate users from attackers. DS exists both in on-prem servers and cloud environments to support the growing hybrid work environment.
The other two parts of identity security, Attack Surface Management (ASM) and Identity Threat Detection & Response (ITDR), have recently gained traction as advancements have been made in their effectiveness. ASM focuses on identifying potential attack surfaces on endpoints, privileged identities, Identity Stores, and hypervisors. It aims to remediate weaknesses and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. With the growing trend of remote work, the attack surface of a network has become larger, making ASM even more crucial.
ITDR, on the other hand, is a new player in the identity security game. It focuses on protecting the identities themselves rather than just the authentication and authorization processes. ITDR uses advanced technologies like deception technology to catch attackers based on their behavior. By luring potential attackers into interacting with fake assets, ITDR can quickly detect and identify threats. Deception technology plays a vital role in ITDR by creating a more holistic view of cybersecurity, complementing other technologies like Behavior Analytics and Log Analytics.
When combined, all these parts of identity security form a rock-solid defense. However, it is essential to have a foundation of Zero Trust, where all users and devices must be authenticated every time they wish to gain access, regardless of whether they are previously known or trusted. This approach ensures continuous authentication and monitoring of user activity to govern access and user privileges within the network.
In today’s rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, organizations must stay proactive in their approach to identity security. The traditional cyber defenses that worked in the past may not be effective against new and unexpected attack techniques. By focusing on all the components of identity security, organizations can build a robust wall of defense that minimizes the risk of identity compromise and credential misuse.
Raj Gopalakrishna, the Co-Founder and Chief Product Architect of Acalvio Technologies, stresses the importance of identity security in today’s hybrid and cloud work environments. He explains that as remote work continues to be popular, building on a foundation of Zero Trust and embracing advancements in ITDR and ASM is crucial for the health and security of organizations worldwide.
In conclusion, organizations must prioritize identity security by implementing a comprehensive defense strategy that encompasses all the parts of the identity security landscape. With the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks based on stolen credentials, it is critical to stay ahead of attackers by constantly evolving and adapting security measures. By doing so, organizations can better protect their identities, data, and overall cybersecurity posture.