by Rebeca | Mar 12, 2024 | soffid, trends
Customer Identity Management is increasingly gaining more relevance. The complexity of identification and authentication protocols is rising due to different factors, with the most relevant being:
Some standards are very new or still in a draft version. For instance, the OpenID logout protocol specification was approved only 16 months ago.
Legacy protocols are hard to implement. In fact, the NSA has encouraged all organizations not to attempt to implement SAML by themselves, as a poor implementation can lead to multiple security vulnerabilities.
Security vulnerabilities have a dramatic impact on organizations. In our case, a security bug in a CIAM authentication module can lead to high levels of fraud, putting the whole organization at risk.
On the other hand, despite having a secure environment being a must, it can be a barrier to enrolling new customers. The process to identify and harden user identification should be progressive: let the user access anonymously, identify them only when it is really needed. Later, suggest to the end user to enroll in a hard authentication token. The customer must have an easy-to-go path, but at the same time, they must feel comfortable and secure.
However, keep in mind that once the hard authentication token is granted, always asking for it can be annoying, and we don’t want to bother our customers. The solution is to have a smart engine able to assign a risk level to each transaction and ask for the second authentication factor when the risk level is above one threshold. For instance, if the user is connecting from the same origin country, using the same device, we probably will not ask for the second authentication factor, but if they are connecting from a new device from a foreign country, the second authentication factor is really needed.
For any SaaS provider, focusing on these aspects can be cumbersome and prone to errors. That’s the reason why CIAM platforms like Soffid IDaaS are gaining a lot of interest. Using these tools, organizations can focus on the relevant aspects:
- Defining the customer journey
- Defining the authentication levels required at each step
- Configuring the CIAM tool to manage all authentication problems
- Customizing the CIAM tool to look and feel like the organization’s customer platform.
In turn, the CIAM tool takes responsibility for some critical aspects:
- Registering end users
- Allowing the user to reset their passwords
- Enrolling a second authentication factor
- Asking for a second authentication factor when needed.
In conclusion, CIAM is a specialized version of traditional access management platforms, but its challenges and risks are unique. A CIAM project cannot be addressed as a traditional access management project. Additionally, based on our experience at Soffid, the team profile is also different. In access management projects, the main actor is the IT managers’ team, but in CIAM projects, we need to engage the IT team, business team, and also development teams.
by Rebeca | Mar 7, 2024 | soffid
We are thrilled to announce the exciting new features and enhancements that are coming to Soffid in 2024. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a secure and reliable platform, we have been diligently working to deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers.
One of our top priorities for 2024 is achieving the Common Criteria certification, a testament to our dedication to quality and security. This certification will provide our customers with added confidence in the reliability and integrity of our platform.
In addition to pursuing certification, we are focused on enhancing our security offerings to help organizations better protect their assets. With more than 60% of ransomware and targeted attacks originating from compromised accounts, we are introducing a set of services designed to make it extremely difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
To combat this threat, we are promoting the use of Soffid Authenticator, a mature and user-friendly tool that eliminates the reliance on passwords as the primary method of authentication. Coupled with our network intelligence feeds, which detect suspicious activity and connections from different countries, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of account compromise.
In terms of user experience, we are making significant improvements to our user interface, including better integration with mobile platforms and easier configuration of custom dashboards. Additionally, our BPM editor will feature a new graphical editor, simplifying the review of identity lifecycle processes.
For privileged account management, we are streamlining integration with container-based platforms like Kubernetes and Docker Compose, eliminating the need for SSH jump servers and enhancing overall security.
Furthermore, we are simplifying the enrollment process for strong authentication methods, making it easier for administrators and end-users to adopt advanced security measures seamlessly.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce two major advancements in our long-term research efforts. First, we are exploring the use of face recognition as a dynamic risk evaluation criterion, offering enhanced security for trusted systems. Additionally, we are leveraging AI technology to enhance the user interface, setting new standards for security, precision, and confidentiality.
Overall, our roadmap for 2024 reflects our commitment to innovation and our dedication to providing our customers with the tools and solutions they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape. We look forward to sharing more updates and insights with you in the coming months. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Soffid!
by Rebeca | Feb 27, 2024 | trends
The National Security Agency (NSA) of the United States has recently released a comprehensive document shedding light on the intricate landscape and challenges of Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions. The document, available at https://media.defense.gov/2023/Oct/04/2003313510/-1/-1/0/ESF%20CTR%20IAM%20MFA%20SSO%20CHALLENGES.PDF, is aimed at IAM developers and vendors, offering valuable insights and recommendations for addressing evolving threats in the digital realm.
According to the NSA report, malicious actors are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in identity and access management systems to impersonate legitimate entities, influence operations, and exploit sensitive information. This underscores the critical importance of implementing robust IAM solutions capable of mitigating such risks effectively.
The challenges outlined in the document are relevant to organizations of all sizes. While smaller companies often face budgetary constraints and resource limitations, larger enterprises contend with sophisticated adversaries and complex infrastructures. However, irrespective of size, the deployment of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions is imperative for enhancing security posture and ensuring operational reliability.
One of the key challenges highlighted in the report is the selection of an appropriate MFA solution. Organizations must carefully evaluate technical options based on deployment ease, end-user experience, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, comparing MFA products from different vendors can be daunting due to the diverse range of technologies and features available.
A crucial aspect emphasized by the NSA is the integration of MFA enrollment into the identity provisioning process. This holistic approach ensures that MFA authentication lifecycle management is seamlessly integrated, thereby enhancing overall security and trust in MFA usage.
Centralizing authentication and SSO functions within a dedicated platform such as Soffid Identity Provider offers numerous benefits, including streamlined policy management and enhanced security controls. However, it also necessitates robust protection measures to safeguard the identity provider from potential threats. Soffid’s attainment of the Common Criteria Certification underscores its commitment to delivering top-tier security standards.
Furthermore, the NSA advocates for the adoption of identity provisioning standards like SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management) to facilitate seamless integration and interoperability across diverse systems.
In terms of SSO protocols, the NSA acknowledges the superiority of OpenID Connect over traditional protocols like SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), citing its enhanced security and simplified design.
Lastly, emerging technologies such as the Shared Signals Framework, endorsed by the OpenID consortium, hold promise for bolstering real-time threat response capabilities by enabling immediate session termination in the event of a compromised account. While Soffid already supports the Shared Signals Framework, ongoing developments in this area are anticipated to further enhance security and efficiency.
Overall, the NSA’s comprehensive report underscores the evolving nature of IAM challenges and the critical role of innovative solutions in mitigating emerging threats. By staying abreast of industry trends and leveraging advanced technologies, organizations can strengthen their security posture and safeguard critical assets in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
by Rebeca | Feb 16, 2024 | soffid, trends
Unlocking the Power of ITDR in Identity Management
In today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape, the emphasis on safeguarding digital assets has never been more pronounced. As organizations navigate the complex realm of digital security, adopting an “Identity first” approach emerges as a strategic imperative. Recognized by industry leaders like Gartner, this approach underscores the critical importance of prioritizing identity management to fortify digital defenses effectively.
At the heart of this strategy lies ITDR: Identity Threat Detection and Response. Far beyond a mere monitoring system, ITDR represents a holistic solution designed to proactively identify and respond to potential security threats. Integrated seamlessly into the organization’s security architecture, ITDR harnesses the power of three core functions:
- Identifying and Triggering Security Issues: ITDR swiftly identifies potential threats by aggregating and correlating data from access management, identity governance, and PAM modules. This proactive approach enables organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats, mitigating risks before they escalate.
- Performing Automatic Actions and Responses: Automation plays a pivotal role in streamlining threat mitigation efforts. By automating response mechanisms, ITDR empowers organizations to respond swiftly and effectively to security incidents, minimizing the impact of potential breaches.
- Assigning Manual Remediation Tasks: For nuanced issues requiring human intervention, ITDR seamlessly integrates with the organization’s IT staff, assigning remediation tasks to resolve and close identified security gaps promptly.
The significance of ITDR extends beyond its individual functions. By integrating seamlessly within the organization’s security framework, ITDR fosters a proactive security posture, enabling organizations to anticipate and respond to threats with agility and precision.
Crucially, successful deployment of ITDR hinges on several key factors. Firstly, organizations must prioritize the integration of ITDR within their existing identity management infrastructure, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between ITDR and other security components. Secondly, organizations must leverage prior deployment experiences to inform decision-making around automated response actions, ensuring that response mechanisms align with organizational goals and priorities.
ITDR represents a paradigm shift in identity management, empowering organizations to fortify their digital defenses effectively. By embracing ITDR as a cornerstone of their security strategy, organizations can navigate today’s evolving threat landscape with confidence, resilience, and agility.
by Rebeca | Feb 9, 2024 | soffid, trends
Generative AI is currently at the forefront of technological innovation, poised to revolutionize various industries. While its applications are vast and diverse, I want to shed light on how Generative AI will impact the realm of identity management.
Firstly, it’s essential to differentiate between Generative AI and deep learning. Deep learning has been instrumental in predicting user behavior, such as distinguishing between legitimate user logins and potential threats. By analyzing past patterns, deep learning algorithms can assess the likelihood of an incoming connection being malicious. However, these predictions aren’t foolproof and can sometimes lead to false assumptions. In such cases, access management systems need to step in, either by denying access or prompting for additional authentication.
Generative AI, on the other hand, operates on unstructured inputs and generates unstructured outputs, typically in natural language. Unlike deep learning, which relies on predefined rules derived from historical data, Generative AI requires a different approach. Teaching the Generative AI engine involves adding new documents to its learning base and deriving new rules from them, a process that can be time-consuming and impractical, especially for dynamic databases like identity governance systems.
Moreover, traditional Generative AI engines lack the necessary security controls to ensure that sensitive data remains protected. This presents a significant risk of information leaks, compromising user privacy and security.
To address these challenges, bridging the gap between Generative AI and identity management systems is crucial. This bridge must enforce robust security measures and provide real-time, fresh data to the Generative AI engine. Soffid’s converged Identity platform is ideally positioned to fulfill this role, ensuring that end-users receive accurate information while minimizing the risk of data breaches.
In conclusion, while Generative AI holds immense promise for enhancing user experience, it must be approached with caution, particularly regarding data security. By implementing a bridge between Generative AI and identity management systems, we can harness its potential while safeguarding sensitive information. Stay tuned as we work towards releasing our Generative AI bridge in 2024, ushering in a new era of identity management innovation.
Unlock the potential of Generative AI with Soffid’s converged Identity platform. Stay updated on our latest developments as we pave the way for a more secure and efficient identity management landscape.
