The Identity Security Threat Landscape: A Wake-Up Call for Businesses
A recent report reveals that a staggering 93% of organizations have suffered two or more identity-related security breaches in the past year. But what’s even more alarming is that nearly half of these organizations anticipate a threefold increase in the total number of identities, with machine identities being the driving force behind this growth.
The Machine Identity Epidemic
Machine identities are being created at an unprecedented rate, with the widespread adoption of multicloud strategies and artificial intelligence (AI) transforming the way businesses operate. However, these machine identities are often not managed in the same way as human ones, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by bad actors.
The Consequences of Neglecting Machine Identities
The lack of identity security controls for machine identities has created a widespread and potent threat vector. With the ability to execute at scale, bad actors can exploit these vulnerabilities with devastating consequences. In fact, phishing and vishing attacks remain highly effective ways to breach an organization, and the rise of GenAI and deepfakes has made it even easier for attackers to succeed.
The Human Factor
While human identities are often seen as the weakest link, research suggests that machine identities are the primary driving force behind the exponential growth of the total number of identities. It’s only a matter of time before chatbots and virtual assistants are being phished.
The Need for a New Cybersecurity Model
The report highlights the need for a new cybersecurity model centered on identity security. Securing every identity across the IT environment, including those of immediate suppliers, is crucial. This requires a fundamental shift in the way businesses approach cybersecurity, moving away from siloed, legacy solutions and towards a more holistic approach.
The Future of Security
The future of security starts with identity. By securing every identity, businesses can prevent the type of breaches that have affected nearly all organizations. It’s time for businesses to wake up to the reality of the identity security threat landscape and take action to protect themselves.
