Identity and Access Management also known as IAM are techniques intended to safeguard systems from unwanted activity. However, new technologies enable hackers to conduct increasingly complex assaults. Many firms fail to discover and repair system flaws in advance to prevent intrusions from occurring, throwing the gates wide enough for devastating assaults.

1. Strategies of Identity Access Management - Bahaa Abdul Hadi
Identity and Access Management also known as IAM are techniques intended to
safeguard systems from unwanted activity. However, new technologies enable hackers
to conduct increasingly complex assaults. Many firms fail to discover and repair system
flaws in advance to prevent intrusions from occurring, throwing the gates wide enough
for devastating assaults.
One of the most serious issues with system security is the continued use of obsolete
IAM mechanisms. More than 80% of breaches are the consequence of weak, default, or
stolen credentials. This is not unexpected news given that more than 60% of users use
identical credentials for several websites or services. Repurposing credentials across
platforms in a company context makes it simple for hackers to obtain access to any
program and the data it manages.
The problem worsens if regular security audits are not performed and appropriate
installation and de-provisioning are not enforced. Employees’ roles shift, necessitating
new credentials, and they are frequently not barred from obtaining the data and apps
necessary for their old employment. This technique, known as “privilege creep,” creates
security weaknesses through which hackers may enter wide sections of the
infrastructure with a single pair of stolen credentials.
Recent Risks Involving Attacks and Lack of Preparedness
Although some firms are becoming more knowledgeable about new security tactics,
many solutions continue to fall short. Part of the problem stems from a shortage of
resources. Only 3% of firms have the tech to fight against current threats, and only 10%
of personnel have the necessary skill sets. These sad figures demonstrate why 74
percent of US organizations targeted in 2017 were unaware of the attacks at the
moment they happened.
Phishing and malware continue to be some of the most frequent tactics employed by
hackers, contributing to a 60% spike in business email intrusion. Hackers are using
artificial intelligence and networking sites to make their techniques more credible, and
no firm is safe.
Modern Approach to Solutions
Your company must conduct two kinds of audits to identify the condition of your IAM
approach and what efforts must be made to improve system security:
• Security audit – Identifies flaws in security procedures

2. • IAM audit – Identifies instances of permission creep and obsolete or defunct accounts
Performing periodic audits frequently eliminates access control issues and assists your
IT department in staying on top of critical security changes. Implement a mechanism to
track and analyze user behavior to preserve security between audits. Modern tracking
apps use machine learning (ML) algorithms to discern between regular behavior
patterns and harmful deviations, resulting in better access control solutions.
The article has been published by the editorial board of the Identity Herald.
Bahaa Abdul Hadi