Understanding the Threat of Unmanaged Non-Human Identities
Understanding the Threat of Unmanaged Non-Human Identities
In today's digital landscape, the increasing reliance on automation and technology has led to a significant rise in non-human identities (NHIs) within organizations. The recent report by AppViewX reveals that businesses are facing substantial security challenges stemming from unmanaged NHIs, which include machine identities, service accounts, and automated systems.
The Growing Problem of Non-Human Identities
According to the report conducted in collaboration with TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group, it was found that non-human identities now outnumber human ones by an astonishing factor of 20. This rapid proliferation raises critical concerns regarding security and management. A significant portion of these identities remains inadequately protected, with nearly 46% of organizations reporting breaches tied to NHIs. Particularly alarming is the statistic that 66% of enterprises have experienced successful cyberattacks linked to compromised NHIs.
Why NHIs Are a Security Concern
Non-human identities present unique security risks that can leave organizations vulnerable to cyber threats. Most enterprises struggle with visibility and control over these identities, which complicates their security posture. As digital transformation accelerates and more services move to the cloud, the management of NHIs becomes increasingly complex, leading to potential blind spots in security measures.
Key Findings from the AppViewX Report
AppViewX's report highlights several essential findings regarding the state of non-human identity security:
- NHI Proliferation: Organizations are managing significantly more non-human identities, with over 50% expecting to see this number grow by at least 20% in the next year.
- Incidents of Compromise: Enterprises are experiencing an average of 2.7 incidents related to NHIs per year, which indicates a worrying trend.
- Visibility Challenges: A notable percentage of respondents admitted to having insufficient visibility over their NHI environments, worrying about their ability to secure these identities appropriately.
- Increased Investment: Over 80% of organizations plan to boost spending on NHI security measures, focusing on identity threat detection and lifecycle management.
Expert Insights on NHI Management
Todd Thiemann, a Senior Analyst at ESG, draws attention to the implications of unmanaged NHIs. He notes that these identities represent one of the most significant attack surfaces in modern enterprises. If left unchecked, the mismanagement of NHIs could lead to serious data breaches and operational disruptions.
Strategizing for Security
Gregory Webb, the CEO of AppViewX, emphasizes that the security challenges posed by NHIs require organizations to adopt a more strategic approach. Automated solutions for certificate lifecycle management and improved security protocols are vital for mitigating risks. As the volume of NHIs continues to rise, organizations must implement robust automated systems to manage these identities effectively.
AppViewX: A Leader in Identity Management
For businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of non-human identity management, AppViewX offers comprehensive solutions designed to reduce risks and enhance security. The company's AVX One platform streamlines certificate lifecycle management and PKI-as-a-Service, enabling organizations to fend off security lapses and maintain compliance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are non-human identities (NHIs)?
NHIs refer to digital identities that are not associated with a human user, including machine identities, APIs, service accounts, and automated systems.
Why are NHIs a concern for organizations?
NHIs represent significant security risks as they often lack proper management, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyberattacks.
What did the AppViewX report find about NHIs?
The report indicated that NHIs outnumber human identities by 20 times, with a worrying percentage of organizations experiencing breaches related to these identities.
What should organizations focus on regarding NHI security?
Organizations should prioritize visibility, invest in security solutions, and utilize automated management tools to secure NHIs effectively.
How can AppViewX assist organizations with NHIs?
AppViewX provides automated certificate lifecycle management and PKI solutions to help organizations secure and manage their NHIs effectively.
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