Identity and Access Management - The new edge of security

The network is not the perimeter. Identity is the perimeter

Identity and Access Management (IAM) has traditionally been considered one of the boring parts of security. But with the rise in the field of cloud computing, IAM has become increasingly important and industry experts quote it as “The new edge of security”.

What is Identity and Access Management?

Earlier, network security controls such as firewalls and IPs, were the primary means of protecting systems and data. However, the cloud makes it difficult for traditional security controls to be applied because much of the networking infrastructure is hidden.

Additionally, the cloud-based models are widespread and allow for more dispersed access, increasing the attack surface and making it more challenging to control.

This is where IAM comes into the picture. IAM provides a centralized way to manage access to the resources, whether those resources are based on-premises or in the cloud. By using IAM, organizations can have control over who can access their data, applications, and infrastructure.

In one of the ScaleToZero podcasts, Chad discussed some of the reasons why IAM is important in the cloud;

It is needed to maintain control as data and applications move to the cloud.
Cloud-based services often provide fewer security controls by default, which makes IAM even more important.
IAM can help organizations meet compliance requirements by providing a centralized way to control access to sensitive data.
IAM can help organizations avoid data breaches by ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive data.

If you are moving to the cloud or already have cloud-based services in place, it is important to make sure that you have created and followed a strong IAM policy program. Taking IAM seriously can benefit organizations in securing their data and applications from unauthorized access.

Tips for implementing a strong IAM program

Implement IAM JIT. There is no excuse for team members to have long-lived access. They should get access when they need one.
Define a clear IAM policy. Your IAM policy should outline a strict access policy with the right user in place.
Use strong authentication. Use strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication, yubikeys, or access tokens to make it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to your systems.
Monitor user activity. Monitor user activity to detect suspicious behavior.
Regularly review and update your IAM policies. Regularly review and update your IAM policies to make sure that they are still appropriate according to your organization's needs.

IAM is a critical part of cloud security. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your IAM program effectively protects your organization's data and applications.

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How has Identity and Access Management evolved within the last five years?

IAM has evolved significantly in the last five years, driven by the rise of cloud computing and the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks. In the early days of IAM, organizations were focused on simply granting access to authorized users. However, as cloud computing became more prevalent, organizations realized that IAM is much more complex and requires a more strategic approach.
According to experts, this is how IAM has evolved in the last five years;

Shift from a reactive to a proactive approach: Organizations are now taking a more proactive approach to IAM security, such as anticipating and mitigating IAM risks before they can be exploited by attackers.
Increasing use of automation: Organizations are investing in IAM automation tools to help them automate IAM tasks, such as provisioning and de-provisioning user accounts.
Investing more in IAM security tools: Organizations are investing in IAM security tools to help them identify and mitigate IAM risks, as well as detect and respond to IAM-related attacks.
Focus on cloud IAM: IAM is becoming increasingly important in the cloud, as organizations need to control access to their cloud-based data and applications.
Growing complexity of IAM: IAM systems are becoming increasingly complex as organizations try to balance security with usability.
Recently, we are noticing the adoption of IAM JIT where organizations can also ensure that auditors can visualize who got access, when and what they did during that elevated privileges.

ScaletoZero podcast episode - (Identity and Access Management in the Cloud: Beyond Mere Access Control)

How to communicate the business value of IAM to stakeholders?

To effectively communicate the business value of IAM to stakeholders, security teams need to focus on what’s required;

Identify the specific business goals that IAM can support. For example, IAM can help organizations improve their compliance with regulations, reduce the risk of fraud, and accelerate innovation.
Quantify the potential benefits of IAM. This could include reducing the number of security incidents, saving money on IT costs, and increasing employee productivity.
Use clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to non-tech stakeholders.
Tailor your message to the specific audience. What is relevant to the CIO may be different from what is relevant to the CFO or the CTO.

Examples of how security teams can communicate the business value of Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Security teams can gain the support of stakeholders and ensure that IAM is prioritized within the organization by effectively communicating its business value.

Develop a business case for IAM that outlines the potential benefits and costs of implementing IAM.
Create a dashboard that tracks the key metrics of IAM, such as the number of security incidents, the cost of provisioning and de-provisioning user accounts, and the number of unauthorized access attempts.
Share success stories of how IAM has been used to achieve business goals.
Align IAM with the organization's overall security strategy. IAM should be seen as one component of a comprehensive security strategy that includes other practices such as vulnerability management, incident response, and data loss prevention.
Involve stakeholders in the development and implementation of IAM policies and procedures. This will help to ensure that stakeholders are committed to the success of IAM and that the policies and procedures are aligned with the organization's business needs.
Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of IAM. This will help to identify any areas where IAM can be improved and to ensure that it is meeting the organization's security needs.

Remember, in the cloud, the network is not the perimeter. Identity is the perimeter.

How has Identity and Access Management evolved within the last five years?

Shift from a reactive to a proactive approach: Organizations are now taking a more proactive approach to IAM security, such as anticipating and mitigating IAM risks before they can be exploited by attackers.
Increasing use of automation: Organizations are investing in IAM automation tools to help them automate IAM tasks, such as provisioning and de-provisioning user accounts.
Investing more in IAM security tools: Organizations are investing in IAM security tools to help them identify and mitigate IAM risks, as well as detect and respond to IAM-related attacks.
Focus on cloud IAM: IAM is becoming increasingly important in the cloud, as organizations need to control access to their cloud-based data and applications.
Growing complexity of IAM: IAM systems are becoming increasingly complex as organizations try to balance security with usability.
Recently, we are noticing the adoption of IAM JIT where organizations can also ensure that auditors can visualize who got access, when and what they did during that elevated privileges.

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