Cyber Defense eMagazine December Edition for 2021

Capital One breach back in 2019. Additional emerging trends that have underscored the need for
organizations to embrace PKI include:
• Cloud Applications: With the emergence of cloud-based apps, multicloud deployment, and
container-based deployment, the need to secure the hosting infrastructure and individual
consumer endpoints has become paramount.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Not only are IoT deployments numerous in terms of individually
connected endpoints, but several applications of IoT also hold sensitive data that should be
protected at all by PKI, as the vanguard.
• DevOps: PKI and DevOps have never been compatible – DevOps exemplifies agility, while PKI
has traditionally been a slow, manual exercise. However, certificates need to be rapidly deployed
to protect outgoing code, applications, and communication lines in general.
• Remote Work: As an entirely remote workforce slowly becomes the norm, the existence of valid,
constantly updated PKI on organizational systems not only makes remote access secure it also
ensures that employees' digital assets remain secure by enabling constant updates via air.
•
Infusing AI and ML in Identity Management to thrive in a current and post-pandemic world
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have been quietly transforming
industries. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and the continued rise in ransomware
demands, new tools with advanced AI and ML capabilities are needed.
Machine learning leverages algorithms to analyze large quantities of data to uncover patterns that enable
accurate predictions. According to Gartner, IAM is "the security discipline that enables the right individuals
to access the right resources at the right times for the right reasons.”
Adding ML capabilities to IAM solutions helps authenticate the user and whether they should be granted
access to specific applications/data. In other words, it helps validate if these are the right resources for a
particular user.
AI is instrumental in the future of IAM since it recognizes patterns and expands knowledge exponentially
at the same rate as risk. Continuous authentication ensures that for every interaction, the context of a
user is constantly evaluated. Organizations can detect potential threats easily as AI analyzes interactions
while considering time, place, and even user movement. All these analytics help calculate the level of
potential risk at every point.
AI-based tools based on machine learning ease off the authentication burden on users and infuse
enhanced security fueled by robust identity management and access controls.
Organizations need to embrace a holistic cybersecurity strategy that is forward-looking, will reduce
access and compliance costs, help them stay agile and flexible while accelerating their journey to the
cloud.
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