Access management best practices continue to evolve
April 7, 2014

In the past decade, more novel technology has hit the market than ever before, while companies in an ever-increasing variety of industries and regions have become reliant upon IT capabilities. One of the most heavily discussed technologies in the past few years has been access management, as more diversified technology capabilities has opened the door for a variety of security concerns. 

Information and systems continue to move rapidly into digital environments, and fewer organizations are relying on older versions of communications technology than ever before. As such, businesses, public sector agencies and other entities need to keep up with the progression of access management best practices to ensure the most continuous and protected operations possible regardless of emerging threats. 

Access management shifts toward identity
When it comes to data breaches and exposed information, the biggest concern is often identity theft, which also happens to be the most damaging crime in the United States and several other nations. SC Magazine recently reported that many companies are succeeding in the process of security enhancements by becoming more focused on identity management rather than traditional access control. 

According to the news provider, IT-centric thinking when it comes to identity management is largely antiquated, and the battle has become far more attached to the user instead. In fact, studies have indicated that user experience might be the most intrinsically critical aspect of access and identity management, as user error and rogue IT are among the most common threats in the current digital landscape. 

The source argued that simple usernames and passwords need to be left behind, and that widespread use of advanced multi-factor authentication needs to step up in the old methods' place. SC Magazine added that there is no denying that the amount of variety of information available about individuals and businesses online are growing, and that security and control must evolve as well.

Emerging trends
The Federal Times recently reported that risk-based authentication is starting to become far more popular outside of the public sector, and that several other trends are emerging in this arena. For one, the news provider stated that scalability will become a bigger pressure point for companies that are adopting identity proofing solutions, especially as IT expansions become more common. 

By proactively deploying advanced identity management solutions, other technology implementations will be more efficient and secure along the way.