Identity security has become a cornerstone of cybersecurity and operational efficiency. However, the growing cost and complexity of implementing identity tools and solutions is a challenge for organizations of all sizes. While substantial resources are being directed toward identity investments, the efficacy in reducing risk and maintaining visibility into account activity often remains questionable.
We recently surveyed a group of cybersecurity leaders about their identity-related spending habits, pain points, and plans for the future. Here's some of what we uncovered about the cost and complexity of investing in your identity security strategy—plus advice on how to navigate these challenges.
The cost of complexity
Most identity infrastructures have evolved into a tangled web of technologies that many find costly and challenging to manage. As organizations embrace digital transformation, the proliferation of SaaS applications and cloud infrastructure necessitates a sophisticated approach to identity management. However, the results of our survey indicate a trend of overspending on isolated identity technologies that fail to integrate seamlessly. This lack of integration exacerbates the complexity.
The biggest stumbling block, as identified by 34% of survey respondents, is the complexity of existing infrastructure. This complexity is not just a byproduct of numerous technologies but also stems from a proliferation of security vendors and a myriad of identity-related definitions by analysts that can perplex even the most seasoned cybersecurity professionals. Unfortunately, this situation is often compounded by a shortage of skilled personnel and adequate technology, which are crucial for modernizing identity architectures.
Roadblocks to simplification
Resistance from users and stakeholders, driven by the friction in login processes and convoluted architectures, was the second most significant obstacle highlighted. This resistance can derail efforts to streamline and optimize identity management. Additionally, the number of technologies and vendors makes it difficult for organizations to chart a clear path toward simplification.
The challenges are further magnified by the need to manage not only human identities but also nonhuman ones. The increasing reliance on machine-to-machine connections, APIs, and smart IoT connections adds layers of complexity that need careful handling. Detecting and managing these nonhuman identities is becoming a priority, with 28% of organizations considering it a top concern for the upcoming year.
The path to smart consolidation and platformization
Despite these challenges, there is a strong inclination among organizations to streamline their identity strategies by consolidating vendors. About 88% of surveyed cybersecurity leaders are contemplating vendor consolidation to simplify their identity strategy within the next year. This consolidation must be balanced with the need to enhance identity management capabilities to keep pace with the broader IT ecosystem's complexity.
Smart consolidation involves not merely reducing the number of vendors but choosing platforms that allow for broad interoperability and unified management. Such platforms should support a wide range of human users and roles, from employees to contractors and business partners, each requiring different access levels. This approach not only simplifies management but also ensures that key functionalities are not lost in the process.
Platformization offers a strategic solution, enabling organizations to leverage identity-as-a-service for effective management and support. It addresses resource and skill constraints for small to midsize companies while providing enterprises with the scalability, integration, and advanced capabilities needed to secure complex environments. A well-designed platform ensures adaptability to evolving threats and infrastructural changes without compromising identity security.
Investing in your identity security strategy
For organizations of all sizes, investing in a robust identity security strategy is crucial. The move towards platformization and smart consolidation offers a streamlined path forward, enabling businesses to manage complexities more effectively while aligning with enterprise priorities. This strategic approach not only addresses the immediate challenges of managing diverse identities and systems, but also positions organizations to adapt swiftly as needed. To read the full results of our survey, and to dive deeper into the importance of prioritizing a strong identity security strategy, download our new report.