The state of identity security today is urgent. According to Tech Target’s Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) Research Report, Managing Non-Human Identities for an Effective Security Program, August 2024, a stunning 66% of enterprises have been hit by successful cyberattacks involving compromised non-human identities. Even more troubling 25% of those enterprises have faced multiple attacks.
The threat is clear: cybercriminals are targeting non-human identities – including service accounts, APIs, and machine identities that often go unnoticed and are crucial to any organization’s infrastructure. With the pace of digital transformation accelerating, these identities have become prime targets, leaving critical systems exposed. It’s not just about today’s threats; the ESG research also highlights that non-human identities will grow by 24% in the next 12 months. As identity sprawl outpaces many companies’ ability to keep up, the need for strong security measures has never been more urgent.
The same ESG report highlights another worrying trend: the volume of non-human identities is projected to surge by 24% in the next 12 months. This rapid proliferation of digital identities, driven by accelerating digital transformation initiatives, is outpacing many organizations’ ability to effectively manage and secure them. The exponential growth creates an ever-widening attack surface, making robust identity security measures more crucial than ever.
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The Power of Collaboration in Cybersecurity
We all have a stake in this. Knowledge is the most powerful tool in fighting against cyber threats, and the challenges we face in securing non-human identities demand collective learning and shared insights. When we started building Anetac, we interviewed and listened to over 35 security leaders. Many told us that service accounts were the biggest problems they were facing and a total mess to deal with. We knew that organizations didn’t have a clear understanding where to even begin when solving these challenges.
That’s why we believe in the power of community-driven identity security initiatives – platforms dedicated to tackling these tough identity security issues head-on. Professional security communities raise awareness of the importance of effective identity security posture management (ISPM) strategies, bringing together cybersecurity experts from all backgrounds. These collaborative spaces allow leaders and members to share, learn, and implement strategies that protect these often-overlooked parts of the digital ecosystem.
By uniting the experience and expertise of diverse security professionals, organizations can close the knowledge gap and become better equipped to prevent costly breaches, financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Industry collaboration and knowledge sharing represent important steps toward a shared defense against identity-based threats. Together, security professionals can use their combined knowledge to stay one step ahead and create a safer digital environment for everyone.
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What Makes a Security Community Work?
A truly impactful security community rests on a few critical elements. First is the diversity of expertise and perspectives. A successful community should be designed to bring together security pros from all walks- from CISOs to front-line analysts-each bring unique insights and experience.
Equally essential is a culture of constant learning. Cybersecurity evolves rapidly, and any cybersecurity community should share up to date knowledge with members, have a space to collaborate on ideas, and top identity security practices.
When building a community, leaders should have a user-focused approach. By building a community around the real challenges security practitioners face daily, leaders can ensure it remains relevant, valuable, and practical in addressing identity security’s most pressing issues.
Building Your Identity Security Community – Features and Benefits
You must provide your community members with the resources they need to excel in employing an effective identity security posture management (ISPM) strategy. This can be done by providing access to industry-leading insights and sharing the latest research. This helps members build a deep understanding of both current and emerging threats.
Beyond content, you can provide your community members with free vulnerability assessment and the ability to collaborate with other members. By doing so, community members can identify and address potential weaknesses, and strengthen their overall organization’s identity security posture.
Why Does an Identity Security Community Matter?
By building a focused community, it is more than just a knowledge hub. It has the potential to shape best practices and redefine how leaders approach the topic of identity security. By bringing together the brightest minds in the identity field, you can not only address today’s problem but guide a better future for identity security.
The Anetac Linked Community and future identity security communities will play a crucial role in professional development, keeping members current with identity security’s latest trends, challenges, and top solutions. A community’s resources and insights are invaluable in helping members stay ahead.
This also involves maintaining engagement as a top priority. Once a community is established, it must be fine-tuned to ensure the community offerings tackle the most urgent issues in identity security, ensuring members always have timely, relevant support. Specialized security communities like the Anetac Linked Community are driving real change. By promoting collaboration, sharing knowledge, and sparking innovation.
I invite cybersecurity professionals everywhere to seek out specialized communities where they can not only gain insight about their organization’s security posture but also contribute to a collective effort that will reshape identity security.
Let’s build a safer digital future together and be part of this exciting journey to transform identity security.
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