Immature IAM programs pose a direct risk to the enterprise.

Identity-related incidents are on the rise. They can lead to unauthorised access, data breaches, and compliance issues, threatening the security and integrity of organisational assets.

The 2024 trends report from the Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA) paints a jarring picture of the growing frequency and impact of identity-related attacks.

• 90% of organisations experienced at least one identity-related incident in 2023.
• 84% of identity stakeholders who incurred an identity-based breach in 2023 said they suffered a direct business impact as a result.

A successful identity and access management program is built on solid foundational processes.

IAM tools provide capabilities that can improve program maturity, report on identities, automate lifecycle management processes, and administer access to business functions. However, these tools require organisations to understand and adjust entitlements according to access policies and functional roles.

Critical Insight

• Security leaders find modernising identity security daunting and focus instead on seemingly simpler challenges like implementing single sign-on, multifactor authentication, and privileged access management. However, this reactive approach can be more costly over time.
• Developing a comprehensive IAM strategy and roadmap is a proactive, high-value initiative that will drive the effective modernisation of the identity management program.

Impact and Result

• Define a clear IAM strategy that aligns with the organisation’s security objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Establish standardised processes for user onboarding, provisioning, deprovisioning, and access changes throughout the user's lifecycle.