📰 Source: The Hacker News
Identity Dark Matter: The Invisible Half of the Identity Universe
Summary
The traditional concept of identity management has undergone a significant shift. Gone are the days when identity lived in a single location, such as an LDAP directory or an HR system. Today, identity is fragmented across various environments, including SaaS, on-prem, IaaS, PaaS, home-grown, and shadow applications. This fragmentation has led to the emergence of "Identity Dark Matter," referring to the invisible half of the identity universe that traditional IAM and IGA tools cannot govern.
IAM Impact
This shift has significant implications for identity and access management (IAM) professionals. The proliferation of disparate identity silos has created a complex landscape that is difficult to manage and secure. IAM tools that were once sufficient are now struggling to keep pace with the evolving identity landscape. As a result, organizations are facing increased risks of identity-related breaches, compliance issues, and security vulnerabilities.
Key Takeaways
• Identity fragmentation is the new normal: IAM professionals must adapt to a world where identity is no longer contained within a single system or directory. • Traditional IAM tools are insufficient: Legacy IAM tools are struggling to keep pace with the evolving identity landscape, leaving organizations vulnerable to security risks. • Context-aware identity management is crucial: IAM professionals must adopt a context-aware approach to identity management, taking into account the various environments and applications that comprise the modern identity landscape.
Recommendations
To address the challenges posed by Identity Dark Matter, organizations should:
- Conduct a comprehensive identity landscape assessment: Identify all the disparate identity silos and applications that comprise the modern identity landscape.
- Implement a context-aware identity management strategy: Adopt a strategy that takes into account the various environments and applications that comprise the modern identity landscape.
- Invest in next-generation IAM tools: Consider investing in IAM tools that are specifically designed to manage the complexities of the modern identity landscape.