In today’s world, the security landscape has changed dramatically. With traditional barriers fading away, identity now stands at the forefront of protection. Organizations are increasingly relying on cloud services and remote work, which means managing identities is more critical than ever. IT teams must adopt effective Identity and Access Management (IAM) strategies to fight off cyber threats like phishing and ransomware. By putting solid IAM practices in place, companies can ensure that only authorized users access valuable resources, reducing security risks.
Let’s break down the key areas of focus, all rooted in zero-trust principles.
Verify Explicitly
The rise of cloud technology brings incredible convenience, allowing access from anywhere and any device. But we can’t just let anyone in without verifying who they are. It’s common to find usernames and passwords scribbled down near devices, and that’s a security risk. IT security teams need strong verification mechanisms to confirm access requests, especially from unknown networks.
One effective method is multi-factor authentication (MFA). This could involve confirming access through your authenticator app on your biometric-enabled device or using number-matching prompts. These measures can help counteract tactics like SIM-swapping and MFA fatigue that attackers might use to bypass security. While MFA is a strong deterrent, it isn’t foolproof.
User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) adds another layer of security. It continuously monitors user interactions with cloud platforms, tracking normal behavior patterns. Any anomalies trigger alerts, forcing a password reset or even locking the account until the security team investigates.
As technology evolves, we’ll need to be prepared for new threats, like AI-generated deepfakes. Tools like Microsoft Entra’s Verified ID, which may require real-time biomimetic scans, will help ensure that the person you’re communicating with is who they claim to be, even in critical financial decisions.
Use Least-Privilege Access
As organizations expand, permissions can spiral out of control. Identities may accumulate excessive permissions over time, which can give them undue power in the IT environment. To tackle this, consider Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). This approach assigns predefined permissions based on a user’s role, simplifying the process of granting the right access.
Just-in-time (JIT) access builds on this concept. Instead of maintaining elevated permissions at all times, JIT access grants them temporarily. Tools like Microsoft Privileged Identity Management allow users to raise their permissions for a limited time, complete with additional checks like MFA and notifications. This way, even if high-privilege accounts are compromised, the attacker might not be able to exploit those permissions for long.
Implementing regular access reviews can enhance identity hygiene. This process checks who has access rights, empowering service owners to make informed decisions about permissions. Similarly, Access Packages allow you to bundle services and applications together, making it easier to manage and revoke access when users change roles.
Assume Breach
No matter how robust security measures are, there’s always a chance of an attack. It’s crucial to accept that reality and prepare an effective response strategy. One helpful approach is continuous authentication. Instead of granting complete access after a single successful MFA request, organizations should impose limits. Increasing the frequency of sign-ins, especially from outside the network, helps maintain security without overly frustrating users.
Adaptive Access Controls can also strengthen decision-making around access. For instance, if a user logs in from their registered device within the company’s network, access should generally be granted. But if someone is attempting to log in from an anonymous VPN on an unfamiliar device, it raises suspicion. Tools like Sign-in or Risk policies in Entra ID Protection can help spot these potential threats and respond appropriately.
With these strategies in mind, organizations can bolster their defenses against unauthorized access and the potential fallout from cyber attacks.