How Identity Security Enhances Network and Endpoint Security

The intersection of identity, endpoint, and network security is becoming increasingly self-evident. Despite all their efforts, modern organizations continue to struggle to safeguard their data and prevent unauthorized access. The Verizon Data Breach Investigations report for 2024 continues to highlight that human elements were a component of 68% of breaches. The report also makes a compelling point: "Phishing is the most common credential-related attack and accounts for 14 percent of breaches involving credentials. Social engineering is extremely common and remarkably effective because it targets individuals versus systems. It’s much easier to harden a system than it is to harden an individual.” 

Strengthening identity security is now a crucial element of fortifying endpoint and network security. This is why even the most modern organizations (or enterprises) must explore the relationship between identity, endpoint, and network security, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to safeguarding digital assets. When user identities are managed effectively, organizations can decrease the likelihood of an attack. By implementing well-configured access controls, organizations can minimize exposure to potential threats. Additionally, identity-based network segmentation enables organizations to separate sensitive data and control access based on user roles.

Access Control and Authentication for Networks

• User Authentication: Identity security ensures that only authorized users can access network resources. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification.
• Device Authentication: Ensuring that devices connecting to the network are legitimate prevents unauthorized access. Device identity verification is essential for maintaining network integrity.
• Zero Trust Network Architecture: Zero trust assumes that no user or device can be trusted by default. Identity verification occurs at every access request. This approach minimizes the risk of lateral movement within the network.

User Verification for Endpoints

• Identity-based endpoint security ensures that only authorized devices can connect to the network.
• Device identity verification, network segmentation, and zero trust principles enhance protection.

Taking an identity-first security approach

Embrace the fact that identity is the key to safely accessing sensitive information in the digital realm. Securing user identities is paramount in preventing unauthorized access and protecting against identity-based attacks. Remember, the attack surface is not just “outside.” The role of identity security is relevant to mitigating insider threats as well. Monitoring user credentials and behavior and identifying unusual patterns may indicate malicious intent and potential theft or damage from within the organization.

The symbiotic relationship between identity, network, and endpoint security in the modern enterprise (or business) is the new normal.