Introduction

If we were to gaze into a crystal ball to see the future of Identity and Access Management, we would undoubtedly see a huge amount of flux taking place in organizations across verticals around the globe. The pandemic has created a new normal, changing the way organizations need to operate. Information, people and infrastructure are no longer siloed but have become widely distributed. In short, it is an explosion of sorts, with organizations looking to expand their footprint in this savagely competitive business world. This race of business expansionism is also being viewed very closely by threat actors as they see an expanding attack surface unfold before their eyes. So, if these threat actors are to be the villains in the entire IT ecosystem, then there needs to be a hero too. Identity and access management which emerged in the late nineties is now the proclaimed hero in this ever-changing IT landscape, looking to combat cyber threats.

Identity and its digital avatar

The origins of identity records and their verification were in the form of paper-based documents like a passport, driver’s license or photo-id card. These have served their purpose as the world moved into the digital age. Identity transformed into its digital avatar – the digital identity. The rise of digital adoption from society and mobile usage, and the introduction of new authentication regulations have all contributed toward this transformation. In a data-driven, hyper-connected world ‘identity’ has been a focus for many businesses, governments and regulators. The creation of the digital identity is again based on several inputs concerning personal information. Such a creation would be required to answer a general query like, “how do you prove that you are you?” The answer would require the respondent to provide a host of details like date of birth, bank account numbers, and passport details to mention a few. And thus a digital identity is created based on what is today called “personally identifiable information” in short PII. This information which is lying in several servers both on-prem as well as in the cloud has become a goldmine for cyber-criminals. The creation of digital identity has given rise to what is now called “identity theft”.

Digital Identity, the new attack vector

With the number of entry points to an organization’s IT ecosystem being increased as an aftermath of the digital transformation, cybercriminals have now umpteen ways to infiltrate the system. The digital identity has now been weaponized and transformed into an attack vector to gain access to the IT pipeline. The reason for this weaponization is that it is the identity that is the only thread which connects to information, IT infrastructure as well as workforce and consumer experiences in this widely distributed IT ecosystem. Cybercriminals have found ways to exfiltrate digital identities during the identity’s lifecycle – during the stage of Identity creation, during the stage of operation, when the identity is put to use, and during the stage of dormancy when the identity so created is lying unused. Identity attack vectors extend the surface area for cyber-attacks beyond the open ports, database vulnerabilities, and insecure protocols that malicious intruders often seek to exploit.

Key Identity Attack Methods

Identity attack methods typically depend on exploiting user accounts in some way. The method used can either be physical or electronic. These methods, when successful, can wreak havoc and lead to costly data breaches. 

1. Social Engineering

Social engineering attacks typically involve outsiders manipulating people into revealing sensitive information. In the context of identity attacks, this information is typically a username-password pair for accessing a resource on an organization’s network. An extremely common way to socially engineer user identity information is to send seemingly legitimate phishing emails to employees and get them to disclose their passwords. 

2.Orphaned Accounts

User accounts that don’t have a valid owner within your organization are termed orphan accounts and they represent a significant security risk. Malicious insiders or outside hackers can both exploit orphaned accounts. Such accounts often persist on a network due to a lack of visibility over user accounts or reliance on manual de-provisioning. 

3. Privilege Escalation

Whether due to poorly configured or inadequate access controls, privileged escalation is a method favoured by many attackers to get elevated rights on a network. The attack typically involves exploiting a standard user account and vertically increasing privileges to higher levels of access, such as those of a system administrator. With higher privileges comes more access to the type of sensitive information that intruders can exfiltrate from an organization’s network.

Combating Identity Attacks

With identity attacks continuing to grow in frequency and sophistication, there are some tools and methods within an IAM framework to combat such threats, such as:

  • Least Privileges—only give users the access strictly need to perform their work.
  • Multifactor Authentication—requires users to provide evidence from two distinct before authenticating access to resources on your network. 
  • Zero trust—use statistical analysis to determine behavioural anomalies in terms of the times people request access, the devices used, and the location. For example, infrequently used access that becomes much more frequently can indicate account compromise. 
  • User Lifecycle Management—incorporate automation into provisioning and de-provisioning so that you avoid orphaned accounts persisting on your network. 
  • Time-Restricted Access—grant time-restricted access for contractors and other temporary users. 

Conclusion

Digital identity is an important and complex security construct that enables individuals to reap the benefits of the connected world. But fraudsters find it an equally lucrative attack vector and have found countless ways to exploit it. OmniDefend Identity and Access Management solution by Softex Incorporated has the requisite tools and capabilities to protect the digital identities of users, thereby ensuring secure and frictionless access to an organization’s information while 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an enhanced security process that may require multiple methods of authentication to verify the identity of a user. This typically involves using two or more of the following methods: something you know (e.g., a password), something you have (e.g., a token or code sent to your smartphone or generated by an authentication app), and something you are (e.g., biometrics).

Overview of MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an increasingly popular security measure that provides added protection for online accounts. By requiring more than one method of authentication, MFA can help prevent unauthorized access to accounts by making it difficult for hackers to guess or steal a user’s credentials.

Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication

1. Improved Security

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the effective way to increase the security of online accounts. By requiring more than one method of authentication, MFA adds one more layer of protection against hackers and other malicious users who may try to gain access to an account. By using MFA, users can be confident that their accounts are secure and protected.

2. Increased User Convenience

Multi-Factor Authentication is not only more secure, but also more convenient for users. With multi-factor authentication, users can easily access their accounts without having to remember multiple passwords or use complicated security questions. Multi-factor authentication also eliminates the need to create and manage multiple sets of credentials, saving users time and hassle.

3. Reduced Risk of Data Breaches

Multi-Factor Authentication is an important tool for reducing the risk of data breaches. By using multi-factor authentication, companies can ensure that only authorized users are able to access sensitive information and services. MFA also makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to an account, reducing the risk of a data breach. With OmniDefend, organizations can easily and securely enable MFA for their accounts, giving them the peace of mind that their data is secure.

Types of Multi-Factor Authentication

1. Knowledge-Based Authentication

Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) is one of the most commonly used forms of MFA. This type of authentication requires users to answer a list of questions related to their personal information, such as their address, date of birth, or mother’s maiden name.

2. Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication is another type of multi-factor authentication that uses a person’s physical or behavioral characteristics to verify their identity. This type of authentication typically requires users to provide a fingerprint, voiceprint, iris scan, or other biometric data.

3. Token-Based Authentication

Token-based authentication is a type of multi-factor authentication that requires users to provide a one-time code or token, typically sent via text message or email. This type of authentication is often used in conjunction with other forms of multi-factor authentication to provide an extra layer of security.

How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?

1. User Enters Credentials

The first step in the multi-factor authentication process is for the user to enter their credentials, such as their username and password. This is typically done through a web form or mobile app. When a user enters their credentials, the system will typically verify that the credentials are correct. This is usually done by comparing the credentials to a database of known users and verifying that the user is exactly who they say they are. If the credentials are correct, the user will be prompted to provide additional authentication such as a one-time code or biometric data. Once the user has provided the additional authentication, the MFA system will verify that the user is genuine and grant them access to the account.

2. User is Prompted for [Additional Authentication

Once the user has provided their credentials, they will be prompted to provide additional authentication, such as a one-time code or biometric data. This additional authentication will be used to verify the user’s identity.

3. User is Verified as Genuine

Once the user has provided the additional authentication, the multi-factor authentication system will verify that the user is genuine. This is typically done by comparing the provided authentication to a database of known users and verifying that the user is who they say they are.

4. User is Granted Access to Account

Once the user has been verified as genuine, they will be granted access to their account. The user will be able to use their account as normal and access the information and services that they need. To further protect the account, users are encouraged to take additional steps such as enabling two-factor authentication or using a password manager to ensure that their passwords are strong and secure.

Conclusion

A. Summary of Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an enhanced security measure that requires multiple methods of authentication to verify the identity of a user. This typically involves using two or more of the following methods: something you know (e.g., a password), something you have (e.g., a token or code sent to your smartphone or generated by an authentication app), and something you are (e.g., biometrics). MFA is an effective way to increase the security of online accounts and reduce the risk of data breaches.

B. Why Multi-Factor Authentication is Important

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an important security measure that is becoming increasingly popular. By requiring multiple methods of authentication, MFA can help prevent unauthorized access to accounts and reduce the risk of data breaches. With OmniDefend, users can easily and securely enable MFA for their accounts, giving them peace of mind that their accounts are secure.

At OmniDefend, we provide organizations with the highest level of security and user convenience with our multi-factor authentication solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how our solutions can help protect your data and accounts.

As online interactions and transactions continue to rise, businesses are finding it increasingly important to manage their customer identities and access to their digital platforms. This is where customer identity and access management (CIAM) comes into play.

CIAM is a solution designed to help businesses manage and secure their customers’ identities and digital data. It provides a streamlined approach to managing customer access and authentication to digital assets while ensuring that sensitive data is protected. In this article, we’ll explore what CIAM is, how it works, and why it’s important for businesses today.

What Is Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM)?

CIAM refers to the set of technologies, processes, and policies used to manage and secure customer identities and access to online platforms. It provides businesses with a secure way to manage the identity of their customers, enabling them to securely access online applications, services, and resources. The goal of CIAM is to simplify the customer experience while ensuring that customer data is protected and secured.

CIAM is particularly relevant in industries that require high levels of security, such as finance, healthcare, and government. However, businesses across all industries are recognizing the need to protect customer data and manage customer identities, particularly as more interactions and transactions take place online.

How Does CIAM Work?

CIAM solutions typically consist of several key components that work together to manage customer identities and access. These components include:

Identity Verification

The first step in CIAM is to verify the identity of the customer. This is typically done through a multi-factor authentication process that requires the customer to provide several pieces of information to prove their identity. This could include a password, PIN, or biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.

User Provisioning

User provisioning is the process of creating and managing user accounts. This includes assigning roles and permissions to the account, as well as managing access to specific applications and resources.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single sign-on allows customers to log in once and access multiple applications and resources without the need to provide login credentials for each application. This simplifies the user experience and reduces the need for multiple login credentials, which can be difficult to manage and remember.

Consent and Preference Management

Consent and preference management allows customers to control their data and the way it is used by the business. This includes managing privacy settings, preferences, and opting in or out of certain services.

Identity Analytics

Identity analytics provides businesses with insights into customer behavior and patterns. This can help businesses identify potential security risks and prevent fraudulent activities.

Why Is CIAM Important?

CIAM is essential for businesses that want to protect their customers’ data and maintain a high level of security. It provides a secure and efficient way to manage customer identities and access to online resources. 

Here are some of the key benefits of CIAM

Improved Customer Experience

CIAM provides a streamlined and secure way for customers to access online resources. This can improve the customer experience by reducing the need for multiple login credentials and simplifying the authentication process.

Enhanced Security

CIAM solutions provide businesses with a secure way to manage customer identities and access to online resources. This helps prevent fraudulent activities, such as identity theft, and ensures that sensitive data is protected.

Compliance with Regulations

Many industries are subject to regulations that require businesses to protect customer data and manage access to sensitive resources. CIAM solutions can help businesses comply with these regulations by providing a secure and efficient way to manage customer identities and access.

Business Growth

By providing a secure and streamlined way for customers to access online resources, businesses can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. This can lead to an increase in revenue and business growth.

What Are The Benefits of CIAM?

Personalized Customer Experience

CIAM solutions can help businesses provide a personalized customer experience by using customer data to tailor their offerings to individual needs and preferences. By gathering and analyzing customer data, businesses can create personalized marketing campaigns and offer relevant products and services, leading to higher customer engagement and loyalty.

Reduced Friction in Customer Journeys

CIAM solutions can help reduce friction in the customer journey by simplifying the login and registration process. By providing single sign-on and social login options, customers can quickly and easily access multiple applications and resources without the need for multiple login credentials. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and lower abandonment rates.

Increased Data Accuracy

CIAM solutions can help increase the accuracy of customer data by using data validation and verification techniques. This ensures that customer data is entered correctly and prevents errors and inconsistencies in the data. Accurate customer data can lead to better decision-making, targeted marketing campaigns, and improved customer service.

Enhanced Marketing Capabilities

CIAM solutions can help businesses improve their marketing capabilities by providing insights into customer behavior and preferences. By analyzing customer data, businesses can identify trends and patterns and create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their customers.

Improved Security and Compliance

CIAM solutions can help businesses improve their security and compliance by providing advanced authentication and authorization mechanisms, as well as compliance with data privacy regulations. This ensures that customer data is protected and that the business is in compliance with regulatory requirements. Improved security and compliance can lead to increased customer trust and loyalty.

Conclusion

CIAM is becoming increasingly important for businesses that want to manage and secure their customers’ identities and access to online resources. It provides a streamlined approach to managing customer identities, while ensuring that sensitive data is protected. By implementing CIAM solutions, businesses can improve the customer experience, enhance security, comply with regulations, and achieve business growth.

When choosing a CIAM solution, businesses should consider several factors, such as security, scalability, flexibility, and integration capabilities. They should also ensure that the solution is user-friendly and provides a seamless customer experience.

We prioritize customer identity and access management positioned to build trust with our customers and protect their sensitive data. With the rise of digital interactions and transactions, implementing a CIAM solution.

IAM is commonly referred to as Identity and Access Management. It is a detailed IT categorization of authentication security software. It is meticulously engineered to manage user or employee access to sensitive encrypted corporation information. These sources of information may include applications, server networks, databases, private documents, Intel systems, devices, mechanics, and physical resources of access in buildings, companies & rooms.

Identity Access Management

What Is IAM?

IAM is a process. It ensures that the right users or employees of the specific job roles in an organization can access the system data or information they need. This enables them to do their jobs. OmniDefend Customer Identity Access Management plays a vital role in the security management of the corporation. IAM systems are separate in several ways. However, they are interdependent, enabling your company or business to manage employee applications without logging into each application as an administrator. It helps your association organize all identities, including the application device’s people, data, software, and hardware.

  • Identity Management:

It is a detailed verification of description exercised to verify that the user or customer is whom they say they are and stores information about that particular user or customer. An identity management database holds descriptive information about the user’s identity. For instance, the user’s job title and your direct description of data validate that the users are the person described in the company’s database.

  • Access Management:

Access Control is an engineered IT software process. It uses the user’s identification information to designate which software suites the user can access. It also determines what the user is authorized to do when they access the software suites. For instance, access management assures every detail to manage with direct reports accessible to an application for the particular timesheet approval. But they need to be more lenient in approving their timesheets.

Why should you care about Identity and Access Management?

It is categorized as solid security encryption of sensitive corporate information to authenticate only specific users of the corporation. It also prevents the fraudulent intrusions of any third-party source into the sensitive database of your corporation by carefully limiting information to other parties. It only accesses the entry of specific users of organizations to access confidential resources based on formal access policies and governance of the corporation.

Benefits Of IAM 

The primary goal of Identity Access Management is to address the associated challenges and prevent fraud intrusions.

  • It manages detailed user identities.
  • Access to only provisioning and de-provisioning users.
  • Verifying the specific users.
  • It enables the authorization of users.
  • Identity Access Management enables you to build a Zero Trust philosophy and forms a bridge to password-less authentication.
  • Identity and Access Management ensures better IT utilization by automating the tools for handling the work in the process, preventing severe regulatory violations.
  • It enables Single Sign-On.
  • It reports any third-party interference or fraudulent activities via a Real-time reporting process.
  • It enables a Strong Security System.