The Critical Role of Identity Security in Cybersecurity

Posted August 22, 2023

The Verizon 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report reports that over 50% of data breaches are due to stolen credentials. And a revealing study of IT security professionals indicates that 30% of organizations have experienced a data breach due to weak passwords. These alarming statistics potentially attribute 80% of breaches to faults in identity security.

“There’s been an almost 30% increase in stolen credentials since 2017, cementing it as one of the most tried-and-true methods to gain access to an organization for the past four years.”

Verizon DBIR 2022

Identity Security refers to the practices, tools, and policies used to protect user identities, ensuring that the right individuals access the right resources at the right times for the right reasons. It encompasses various measures to prevent unauthorized access, identity theft, and fraud. Key components of identity security include:

Authentication: Verifying the identity of a user, device, or system. This can be done through passwords, biometrics, tokens, or other methods.
Authorization: Determining what actions, resources, or services the authenticated user is permitted to access.
Verification: Processes to confirm the authenticity of an individual’s claimed identity, often using personal details, security questions, or external data sources.
Monitoring and Reporting: Continuous surveillance of identity and access activities to detect and respond to any suspicious or unauthorized actions.

In essence, identity security ensures that digital identities—whether they belong to humans, devices, or applications—are appropriately managed and safeguarded against misuse and cyber threats.

As cyber threats evolve and become more sophisticated, businesses need to leverage the available tools to prioritize securing their most vulnerable asset: their employees’ identities. Systems such as AuthPoint Total Identity Security from WatchGuard simplify the process by incorporating best-in-class offerings for each of the following:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA ensures that even if a cybercriminal obtains a user’s password, they cannot gain access without the second form of identification. WatchGuard’s AuthPoint solution, for instance, leverages MFA to protect environments from the ever-increasing threats of password-related breaches. It offers a mobile MFA application that’s easy to use and reduces the vulnerabilities associated with single-password authentication.

2. Dark Web Monitoring

The dark web is a haven for stolen data and credentials. By monitoring the dark web, enterprises can be alerted if their credentials are found, allowing them to take proactive measures before any damage is done. This is not just about reactive measures; it’s about staying one step ahead of potential threats.

3. Password Managers

Remembering complex passwords for multiple accounts is a challenge for most users. This often leads to the use of weak or repeated passwords. Password managers solve this problem by generating and storing strong, unique passwords for every account. This ensures that even if one account is compromised, others remain safe.

4. Simplifying and Securing Hybrid Work

The COVID-19 pandemic and the response to it have accelerated the shift toward hybrid work models. While this offers flexibility to employees, it also presents new security challenges. Solutions like WatchGuard’s AuthPoint not only provide robust security but also ensure a seamless user experience. By integrating with popular cloud applications, VPNs, and networks, it simplifies the process of securing remote access.

5. Zero-Trust Architecture Starts with Identity Security

The zero-trust model operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” In this architecture, trust is never implicitly given based on where a request originates, be it inside or outside the organization’s perimeter. Instead, every access request is thoroughly verified. Identity security is the foundation of this model. By ensuring that every user is who they claim to be, enterprises can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

6. Cloud and Mobile Integrations

With the increasing adoption of cloud services and mobile devices in the workplace, integrating identity security solutions with these platforms is crucial. WatchGuard’s AuthPoint, for example, is designed to work seamlessly with cloud applications, ensuring that employees can securely access resources from any device, anywhere.

In the digital age, where data is the new gold, enterprises cannot afford to overlook the importance of identity security. From MFA to dark web monitoring, businesses must employ a multi-layered approach to protect their assets and reputation. As the lines between personal and professional devices blur and the traditional office perimeter dissolves, identity security becomes the first line of defense against cyber threats. By prioritizing and investing in robust identity security solutions, enterprises can navigate the complex cyber landscape with confidence. Contact us so weak or compromised passwords don’t make your business the next statistic.

Kevin Willette

Kevin Willette is Partner / CEO of Verus Corp. His focus is ensuring complete customer satisfaction and providing as much or as little support as is needed for the individual client. Kevin knows that plenty of places do IT services, but what sets Verus Corp apart is the local feeling and the commitment to doing things right the first time. He has always wanted to be a business owner because it affords him the opportunity to offer a service that was better than anything clients had seen before. His true goal is to help customers make their businesses better by removing potential IT barriers. Kevin served as chair for Habitat for Humanity during his time at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has also served on the WatchGuard Advisory Council since 2016. Kevin’s work with Verus Corp has helped them achieve awards as the WatchGuard Partner of the Year and Cisco Select Partner. Kevin graduated from Minnesota State in 2000 with a major in Business Marketing and minors in Business Administration and Music.