Cyber Playbook: Effective User-Centric Authentication is Critical for Modern Business

August 31, 2021

Over the past three decades, businesses around the world have been undergoing a rapid digital transformation. With more organizations moving both internal and front-facing operations to the cloud, Identity and Access Management (IAM) has become a paramount concern for many business executives.

Historically Identity and Access Management programs were seen as a risk solution for an organization's internal team. However, as recent events have shown us, entities that exist outside the business are equally vulnerable to system threats. From third-party suppliers to contractors and customers, many of these external users require authentication and authorization within your enterprise network.

So, it’s little wonder that many businesses are creating Identity programs that are centered around the user, as opposed to networks, devices, or endpoints. This allows the business to gain both greater internal visibility and a better understanding of the customers and the products and services that they use. User-centered Identity strategies enhance the organization's security in two ways:

1. Having more control over who has permission to access the system
2. Understanding when and where the organization's data and network are being accessed

Why Traditional IAM and Authentication Doesn't Make the Cut Today

Traditional IAM and authentication processes are no longer enough to keep up with the current cyber landscape. This is due to a variety of reasons:

Negative User Experience

You can have the most sophisticated and advanced Identity & Access Management program, but it would be rendered useless if the relevant users aren't using it properly. Taking the user experience into consideration, particularly in a hybrid work environment, is key to user adoption and a successful Identity & Access Management program.

Failure in Consistency

These days, cybersecurity should be integrated throughout every department and managed by one group, rather than by each respective department - which includes the Identity program. Cybersecurity awareness training ensures that every user that accesses your enterprise data will follow company-wide best access processes like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Privileged Access Management (PAM).

Outdated Systems

With the rapid digital transformation that took place in the past 18 months, many teams including those responsible for IAM programs needed to adjust to ensure a smooth and fully secured transition. Entire workforces that used to be kept secure within the confined and less complex physical walls of the office are now working remotely or in a hybrid environment with both in and out of office operations. Ensuring that authentication protocols have been appropriately transitioned to face the current landscape is essential to achieve comprehensive coverage.

How to Transform Your Identity & Access Management for the Modern Age

Everything starts with a proper evaluation of the current systems, features, and services that are included in your authentication program. This means looking over the digital delivery systems and accessing modern deployment procedures so that your business can operate in an up-to-date fashion. Your evaluation process should analyze current devices, procedures, and enterprise security objectives.

General Security

With so many devices now being used on both unsecured personal networks and internal enterprise networks, providing proper security across all platforms becomes a vital part of the business effort. This means that all proper authentication protocols need to be employed, and encryption systems and extra layers of defense, like adaptive authentication, are needed to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Consistent and Accessible External Voice

Utilize a variety of verified platforms to ensure your customers are easily able to recognize and communicate with your enterprise brand.

Empowering Privacy

To create better security also means prioritizing privacy and improving systems that use personal identifiable information (PIA). By doing so, businesses can now deliver personalized services to customers and third parties and, thanks to the security measures employed, boost trust and confidence in the systems.

Creating Better Customer Experiences

User experience is key for both internal and external users. When developing the customer experience, prioritizing privacy, security, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the experiences of customers will ensure greater outcomes for both security and customer experience.

Modernizing Identity Management 

It's imperative that organizations assess their security posture including their Identity program, and ensure it is formidable against today’s threat landscape. Take a data-driven and proactive approach to your enterprise Identity & Access Management program that will cover the full lifecycle of your specific security needs. The required systems, platforms, and end-user requirements have changed - is your IAM program keeping up?

Looking to the Future

 The only constant in life is change. Anticipating these changes and keeping afloat of the many ways the security landscape will evolve is paramount to your security program's success. Constant improvement through engagements that will enhance your cybersecurity program, like Advisory consulting, red team operations or penetration testing, is a great place to start. Utilizing a trusted partner with a vendor-agnostic approach and access to best-of-breed technology is an excellent way to stay ahead of the threat curve. Omni-channel devices, consent-based data sharing, and the continued advancement of IoT services are just a few of the many technology trends on the horizon.

The Future of Identity Management and Authentication

Despite the more complex systems in the Identity Management process, the future looks towards simplification for the user and business. This effort has been going on for some time, but today more than ever balancing user experience with security and privacy concerns should be a top priority.

Whatever the future holds in Identity and Access Management, your systems will need to be evaluated and upgraded to meet the needs of new devices and user behaviors.