In order to support the digital transformation and provide the best end-user experience, Identity and Access Management (IAM), a frequently overlooked component of the IT system, must become the first security control. The traditional network perimeter that companies previously relied on is insufficient in the digital world.
The viability of remote and hybrid work methods was established in 2021. While some enterprises found it easier than others, the majority of businesses were able to develop workarounds to allow for remote employment (at least, for many fields). Businesses expedited digital transformation initiatives like cloud migration in an effort to retain staff productivity. Many of the initial temporary adjustments have already been made permanent.
Spotlight on identity and security
The average overall price of a data breach grew by 10% to $4.24 million in 2021, making it the most expensive data breach in history, per the findings by IBM titled “IBM Report: Cost of a Data Breach Hits Record High During Pandemic”. When remote working was thought to have contributed to the breach, costs increased even further. Employers must base their security strategy on the reality that remote and hybrid work arrangements are now widespread.
Also Read: Battling Identity Sprawl in Hybrid Work Model
Security tools and VPN services alone are not sufficient to protect remote workers’ access to sensitive applications and data. It also involves controlling who has access to particular data and ensuring they can only access the data they are authorized. Even though the sort of device or connection that remote workers use to log in may not be under control, firms can still impose restrictions on the kinds of data or programs that a particular identity or role is allowed to access in a given circumstance.
The guiding principles in this situation are Zero Trust and least privilege access. Only those with the proper level of access to the proper resources have the least privilege access.
Identity is the brand-new border
In other words, each user’s identity is effectively the perimeter of the new distributed organization that needs to be protected. The fact that corporate systems must be accessible to employees 24/7 from any location, as well as increasingly to business partners and consumers, presents a tremendous problem for security personnel.
All in all, identity management that is unprecedentedly sophisticated is necessary to guarantee that all user identities are rigorously authenticated continuously while not adversely affecting the user experience.
A challenging request, to be sure; the Zero Trust paradigm is gaining ground as a means of achieving it. The phrase, which Forrester Research first used, simply calls for ensuring that the appropriate individuals have the proper level of access to the resources they require to carry out their lawful activities and that their access rights are continually evaluated and confirmed. Zero Trust also demands that this be accomplished without unduly confusing the user community.
The management of identification is, therefore, at the heart of the Zero Trust concept. IT departments must have precise visibility into who requires access to what resources and control over how that access changes during a user’s lifecycle.
Also Read Risks and Challenges of Migrating to Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
Safeguarding the new perimeter
The pandemic accelerated many businesses’ efforts to shift digitally. The benefit is that less than a year was needed to complete what may have taken two to four years, increasing production, efficiency, and cost savings.
Enterprises have now had time to contemplate the past and assess what has worked and what hasn’t, as well as what may be improved over the long run. This includes examining identity management practices and what needs to be improved. Companies may want to consider cloud-based IGA as part of their security strategy because identity is the new perimeter.
For more such updates follow us on Google News ITsecuritywire News. Please subscribe to our Newsletter for more updates.
