Identity Security Outlook Report 2024: Key Insights Executive Summary

Identity Security Outlook Report 2024: Key Insights

The 2024 Identity Security Outlook Report reveals that managing identity, access, and permissions has become a significant challenge for security teams. The increasing complexity of hybrid environments, the rise of SaaS applications, and the involvement of contractors and suppliers have created a web of permissions that is difficult to manage. These issues, coupled with the rise of non-human identities, have heightened the risks associated with access management.

Key Findings

1. Cyberattacks Due to Improper Access: 77% of security leaders reported cyberattacks or data breaches in the past year due to improper access or overprivileged users.

2. Top Challenges: The main challenges in identity and access management are the complexity of existing systems, employees’ resistance to change, limitations of available tools, and executives' resistance to change.

3. Hybrid Environments: 76% of companies operate in hybrid environments, combining cloud and on-premises systems.

4. Involvement of External Entities: 97% of companies involve contractors, partners, or suppliers who have access to their systems.

5. Concern Over Non-Human Identities: 81% of respondents are concerned about the risks posed by non-human identities like service accounts and API tokens.

6. Impact on Productivity: Nearly half of the respondents indicated that their identity security strategy hinders team productivity.

Today's Environment

Mounting Identity Threats

Security leaders face increasing identity-based attacks as traditional methods of gaining unauthorized access have become more challenging due to zero trust principles.

Complex Environments

The proliferation of SaaS applications (averaging 39.5 apps per company) and hybrid IT environments complicates identity security, making it harder to manage permissions and increasing the risk of unauthorized access.

Extended Enterprise

The extensive involvement of external entities in company systems increases the risk of cyberattacks. Companies with significant third-party involvement reported higher instances of breaches due to improper access.

Top Challenges

The top identity and access management challenges include:

Complexity of Existing Systems: Managing diverse and numerous applications.

Resistance to Change: Both employees and executives often resist new security measures.

Tool Limitations: Current tools may not adequately address the growing complexity of identity management.

Managing Risk

Auditing and Automation

Regular auditing of user access is critical. Most companies conduct audits at least quarterly, with a trend towards automated processes to manage and decommission unused or orphaned accounts.

Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP)

The adoption of ZSP is gaining traction. ZSP limits user access to the minimum required levels, reducing the risk of improper access. 93% of security leaders believe ZSP is effective in reducing access risks.

Emerging Trends

Budget Increases

84% of companies reported an increase in budget allocations for identity and access-related products. This reflects the growing recognition of the importance of robust identity security measures.

Priorities for Access Management

The top priorities for security leaders are:

Reducing risk

Improving team productivity

Automating processes

Enhancing user experience

Conclusion

Identity security is increasingly complex and critical. Effective management involves adopting advanced strategies like ZSP, regular audits, and automation to mitigate risks. Security leaders must balance reducing risks with maintaining productivity and user experience. Increased budgets and a focus on automation provide a hopeful outlook for addressing these challenges.

For more detailed insights and strategies, refer to the full 2024 Identity Security Outlook Report by ConductorOne.