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Robust cloud IAM should align to zero-trust principles

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Robust cloud IAM should align to zero-trust principles

In the current digital environment, the traditional security perimeter has vanished, shifting the focus to identity as the primary defense line. With the rise of cloud services and remote work setups, managing and securing identities has become crucial. Effective identity and access management (IAM) practices are vital for IT departments to protect against cyber threats like phishing attempts and ransomware attacks. By implementing robust IAM strategies, organizations can ensure that only authorized individuals have access to critical resources, reducing potential security risks. Let’s explore the key areas to concentrate on, all of which align with core zero-trust principles.

Verify explicitly

One of the driving forces behind the increasing adoption of cloud technology is the easy access to resources from anywhere, at any time, using any device. However, it’s essential to verify that access requests are legitimate before granting them access. Strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods can help in this regard, ensuring that access is granted only to the correct person. MFA, along with user and entity behavioral analytics (UEBA), can strengthen the security of identities and prevent unauthorized access.

UEBA continuously monitors user interactions with the cloud platform, flagging any deviations from normal behavior and assigning a risk score accordingly. This additional layer of security can help in detecting and responding to potential threats effectively.

As technology advances, the need for protection against AI-generated deepfakes is becoming more apparent. Tools like Verified ID in Microsoft Entra, which require real-time biomimetic scans for authentication, are becoming essential to prevent identity-related attacks.

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Use least-privilege access principles

Organizations often grant excessive permissions to identities over time, leading to potential security risks. Role-based access control (RBAC) and just-in-time (JIT) access can help mitigate these risks by ensuring that identities have the necessary permissions for their roles and tasks. RBAC assigns pre-defined roles with specific permissions, while JIT access grants temporary elevated rights based on the immediate requirements.

Implementing access reviews and access packages can further enhance identity security by standardizing permission enablement and monitoring user access regularly. These practices help in maintaining good identity hygiene and reducing the accumulation of unnecessary permissions.

Assume breach

Despite utilizing advanced security tools, organizations must always be prepared for potential breaches. Continuous authentication and adaptive access controls can help in increasing resilience and responding to attacks effectively. By assuming breach and implementing a zero-trust security model, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and enhance their overall security posture.

Technologies like MFA, JIT access, and UEBA play a crucial role in enforcing security principles and detecting potential breaches swiftly. Continuous monitoring, identity analytics, and deception technologies further aid in maintaining a robust security environment.

Ricky Simpson is US solutions director at Quorum Cyber, a Scotland-based cyber security services provider. With a background in cloud, security, and compliance roles at Microsoft, he brings expertise in enhancing security measures. Ricky holds a BSc in computer science from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.

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