A traditional security perimeter that uses firewalls and on-premise controls to protect networks will no longer suffice. Organisations rapidly adopt cloud services, remote work, AI-based systems, etc. As a result, users, devices, applications, and data all exist outside a static network boundary. Therefore, in this new environment, identity is now the primary security perimeter. Who accesses what from where, and under what conditions comprise the definition of security posture for each organisation.

 

Access Risks in Cloud Environments

 

Credential theft, phishing and identity-related risk in cloud environments can create large-scale data exposure or data loss and potential disruption of business operations from a single compromised credential. Overprivileged access is also a key risk because users/service accounts often have more rights and privileges than they should, creating a higher potential for the consequences of a security breach. Employees who use cloud applications/tools outside of the organisation’s security controls create an access point to data that is outside of the traditional security perimeter (shadow IT and UN-managed identities). Additionally, misconfigured IAM policy can create a risk to your organisation because if your IAM policy is not properly configured, it may result in unauthorised individuals having access to sensitive resources, or sensitive resources may be made available to anyone on the Internet.

 

New Identity Risks in AI Environments

 

Risks related to identity in AI environments arise because of machine identities and API keys that are used by models, bots, and automated systems. If these components are not secured appropriately, then they can be compromised by attackers who may gain access to sensitive data or alter how an AI model creates output from raw input. In addition, AI tools generally require extensive access to large datasets; if the access controls protecting those datasets are insufficient, then this can lead to the exposure of unauthorised data or even introduce data poisoning attacks against the integrity of the models themselves. Moreover, automated, AI-based processes can unintentionally escalate privileges when identity permissions are configured incorrectly, thus expanding the number of systems and/or environments affected by incidents of security failure.

 

Manage Identity and Access Risks

 

To counter risks related to identity threats, organisations need to enhance their identity protection services in cloud and AI environments by adopting an efficient IAM strategy that incorporates role-based access controls, least-privilege access best practices, and enterprise-wide identity governance. MFA will add an extra layer of security to all accounts, especially those with higher privileges and access to cloud storage services. To implement a Zero Trust Security approach, there is a need to constantly authenticate each access request based on contextual factors, user behaviour, and device attributes rather than trusting them implicitly.

 

Identity has become the most important aspect of cybersecurity in the current cloud and AI-driven environment, as the boundaries of the network are blurring. Organisations need to pay more attention to building robust IAM processes, adopting a Zero Trust approach, and keeping a check on their usage of identities; all in a bid to reduce the risk that comes with identity-based access. At the same time, organisations need to ensure the security of human and machine identities, as well as upskill their cybersecurity professionals, which will be an important part of building resilience. Organisations can improve their security posture and build trust in the digital world by following the right guidance offered by the ISACA Mumbai Chapter with its list of professional cybersecurity certifications.