Reworking Your Privileged Access Security Program

The Need for a Privileged Access Security Program

The digital world is transforming at a faster pace. There has been a constant evolution in the way that IT environments operate. According to a report, automation, artificial intelligence & cognitive technologies are set to change how work gets done. Technologies like re-engineering, where modernized IT infrastructure is being created to enhance efficiency and service delivery, are also getting popular. Furthermore, the report mentioned the adoption of newer technologies & newer ways to manage interrelationships, storage and security of organizational data while dramatically improving both availability and security.

Coincidentally, I also came across a strategic move implemented by the Singapore Government where the government implemented a G-Cloud. This private cloud infrastructure meets all the required security assurances mandated by the government.

The benefit of G-Cloud is that all branches of Singapore’s government can deploy & scale up applications much more quickly, efficiently & securely. The reason why they have implemented the G-Cloud is to transform the way the government delivers services by enabling new technology & by using a transformed IT department.

Moreover, based on our interaction with enterprises across sectors, we observed a trend where the co-existence of hybrid infrastructure seems to be taking shape. And with that, there appears to be an overall refresh in the associated aspects, including security tools.

Synergy in the Trends

The above cases point to a similar direction – a transformation in the IT world. This transformation is not just in terms of the IT infrastructure but also other associated parameters such as automation, new technologies, security & efficiency. Taking these trends to a broader setting, we can, to a certain extent, also assume that this is true not just in the case of government enterprises but also in other enterprises – small, medium & large. 

And while unsaid, with this transformation comes the challenge of IT security at all levels, especially concerning IT infrastructure. Security around user access to critical IT infrastructure cannot be neglected. The reason is that compromising the access security aspect could lead to unlimited access & control of critical infrastructure accounts/privileged accounts & their passwords falling into the wrong hands.

Time to Re-Evaluate Your IT Security Solutions and Tools

Evaluating a priority security solution tailored to protect IT assets, such as a PAM tool, could be a long-winded process. However, the ROI in terms of recurring cost, security, compliance & business reputation is worth the time & money invested. For instance, Apple devices have gained popularity not just for their features & sleek design but for offering protection from ransomware. Similarly, customers of any organization would look at the enterprise’s security measures to build trust in that organization. 

More than solid revenue, profits & popularity, it is information security as an evaluation parameter that has taken dominance in customer decision-making. 

One can argue that the only way customers know of an organization’s security is until a security breach occurs. But why wait for that to happen? Prevention is better than cure! It has become essential for security teams in enterprises to do a continuous assessment & monitoring of existing access security solutions & evaluate the solutions’ capability to support & scale with modernized IT infrastructure. Hence, prioritization is equally necessary. 

When it comes to access security solutions, the first thing that you would think of securing is the core of your IT environment – the privileged accounts. And why wouldn’t it be? A study by Ponemon Institute has pegged the average cost of insider threats for an organization at over $8 million, not to mention losses suffered due to a hit on the reputation. Therefore, it is time to re-evaluate your security regarding privileged access.

Reworking Privileged Access Security Strategies

Times have changed. Every simple item we use today demands a re-evaluation, why not security solutions, then? 

Privileged access security is not what it used to be back in the day. Most enterprises might have implemented a privileged password vault some time ago. Still, with such massive IT transformations happening at all levels, it is also essential to re-assess your privileged access security programs. You may already have a robust privileged access solution, but are they built to scale and suit the modernized IT infrastructure? If not, implementing such a solution could lead to spending more time and resources on maintaining the solution alone.

Moreover, there is a risk of sticking to a traditional solution that may have an architectural shortcoming considering the new age infrastructure changes. It, therefore, is best practice to re-evaluate existing security solutions in terms of their capability to support an agile and scalable IT environment without impacting productivity, compromising security & increasing costs. You must take action before a potential security threat event could occur, even with the existing solutions in place. Imagine the plight of security teams in case of a possible mishap (breach) despite having an erstwhile compliant solution.

It is worth the time & effort to look at transforming and reworking the privileged access security program to ensure data security is abreast with your IT transformation. The current scenario demands a Privileged Access Security/Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution capable of adjusting and adapting to the dynamic IT infrastructure. And suppose there is a PAM solution engineered on a new-age technology suited to adjust and adapt to the dynamically evolving IT setting. In that case, it may be worthwhile evaluating such a solution and considering a change, wouldn’t it? 

The reworking privileged access security program is not as tedious as you think. Alternatively, you may even want to consider keeping a backup PAM solution, if not replace it. Think about it.

How Can Sectona Help?

Reworking your privileged access security program is simple with Sectona.

Sectona provides a robust Privileged Access Management solution that can scale with the dynamically changing IT infrastructure. The PAM solution has been conceived & architected with the right amount of time and energy to let you realize the right ROI. You can seamlessly manage and secure your enterprise’s privileged access with multiple integrated features. Click here to see Sectona Security Platform in action.