Identity Matters - March 2024

As the first Quarter of 2024 ends, many companies are setting aside time to reflect on the year thus far and plan for the months to come. For those operating in the digital landscape, a review of the top identity and cybersecurity events and developments is well advised, giving perspective and informing decision-making.

Because Identity Matters.

Industry Highlights

5 certifications that can boost a cybersecurity leader’s career

More than ever, enterprises are learning the importance of cybersecurity certifications for the effectiveness of their security professionals and their choice of identity managed service provider. CISOs and CSOs have strong incentives to pursue certifications to bolster their resumes, shore up credibility, and gain the skills necessary to compete against the bad actors in the modern digital landscape. Head over to CSO Online for their recommendations of the top 5 cybersecurity certifications here .

If Companies Are So Focused on Cybersecurity, Why Are Data Breaches Still Rising?

How could organizations have invested an estimated $188 billion into cybersecurity in 2023, yet reported US data breaches still be up 78% from 2022? Evolving ransomware attacks, improperly implemented cloud platforms, and vulnerabilities in third-party vendors may be to blame. Read The Wall Street Journal ’s analysis of these developing threats to cybersecurity here .

Just 2% Of Organizations Have ‘Mature’ Cybersecurity Readiness

Simeio has been both an advocate and enabler of greater IAM maturity . Now, other organizations are catching up to the importance of a mature cybersecurity solution . A 2024 Cisco survey of more than 8,000 private sector business leaders rated a mere 2% of their organizations as “mature” in their cybersecurity readiness. Head over to UC Today and learn how this number plummeted from a 17% the previous year and what enterprises can do to achieve greater maturity here .

Google Engineer Steals AI Trade Secrets for Chinese Companies

Even the largest technology firms can fall victim to insider threats. An ex-Google engineer has been charged with theft of AI-related trade secrets from her former employer. The suspect, Linwei Ding, is accused of stealing information including chip architecture and software designs related to machine learning and AI along with technical specs of Google's supercomputing data centers’ GPU. Learn about these and other crimes, as well as the suspect’s potential ties to Chinese tech firms, in Dark Reading ’s expose here .

Cyber ring in Ukraine caught stealing 100m email, Instagram accounts

Even when a country is in the middle of a war, cybercriminals take no breaks. Three Ukrainian hackers are being charged with the theft of over 100 MN emails and Instagram accounts. Ukrainian officials report that a simple brute-force attack was the method most likely used by the hackers, stating that two-factor authentication measures would have easily prevented the incidents. Go to Cybernews for the full story, along with the hackers’ potential client list, here .

Nissan Data Breach Affects 100,000 Individuals

While Tesla is working to address potential hacks of their cars, other companies are grappling with conventional attacks. Around 100,000 Nissan customers in New Zealand and Australia have been notified that their data has been breached by known cybercrime group Akira. Analysts believe that Nissan did not give in to the ransomware demands due to the publication of the allegedly stolen files. SecurityWeek reports that Nissan has started contacting the affected individuals. Get the developing story here .

Simeio Spotlights

Upgrade Your IAM Security Strength | Simeio's IAM Benchmark

Our innovative IAM benchmarking workshops drive effective identity fabric assessments and enhance identity programs in game-changing ways. Check out our newest benchmark breakdown video and discover how our bespoke action plans and ongoing support services ensure your enterprise reaches new heights of maturity and resilience here .

6 IAM Solutions to Keep an Eye on in 2024

The pace of cybersecurity transformation must exponentially accelerate as to keep up with emerging security threats. Customers expect streamlined and transparent experiences, yet ease of use without compromising data integrity or compliance needs. Familiarize yourself with the most relevant and useful IAM investments your enterprise needs to consider for 2024 right here .

Infographic - Application Recertification Checklist

Application recertification after an identity platform update doesn’t have to be arduous and costly stages. Our systemized and standardized checklist helps make implementation and ongoing maintenance much easier by establishing accurate and repeatable processes for recertification. Learn how to run your recertification with zero efficiency or security gaps here .