As Threats Evolve, Companies Must Rethink Their Approach to Identity Access Management

In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, one thing is clear: identity is no longer just a username and password. It’s the new perimeter, the new firewall, and the new attack surface. The question is, are companies ready to adapt to this new reality?

According to recent breaches at major firms like JP Morgan, Change Healthcare, and Microsoft, the answer is a resounding “no.” Each of these companies has been connected by an identity-related attack, highlighting the need for a refresh in the legacy approach to Identity Access Management (IAM).

At the recent RSA Conference 2025, experts emphasized the importance of an identity-first stance in security. This means moving beyond traditional network perimeters and instead relying on verifying user identity as the foundation for access control and risk management. Modern security frameworks like Zero Trust are built on this principle, and companies like Adobe Stock are already reaping the benefits.

Zero Trust is a security approach that assumes that all users and devices are potential threats, and that access to resources should be granted on a per-request basis. This approach requires continuous authentication and authorization, and is designed to prevent lateral movement and data breaches.

However, implementing an identity-first, Zero Trust approach is not without its challenges. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies is creating a new, identity-centric threat landscape. Cyber-crooks are using AI tools to hack access, and companies are struggling to keep up. According to a report by IBM X-Force, nearly one-third of intrusions last year were identity-based attacks, with three out of 10 exploits involving the misuse of valid credentials.

The use of AI in identity-based attacks is a particularly concerning trend. AI-powered tools can mimic human behavior, making it difficult for security systems to detect and prevent attacks. According to a report by CyberArk, 40% of applications failed to distinguish between human and machine-based activity, creating a major attribution challenge for security teams.

So, what does this mean for companies looking to improve their cybersecurity? Experts say it’s time to rethink their approach to IAM and prioritize identity verification. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, using non-human IAM tools, and leveraging AI to detect and prevent identity-based attacks.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires users to provide two or more forms of verification before gaining access to a system or resource. This can include something the user knows (such as a password), something the user has (such as a smart card), and something the user is (such as a biometric).

Non-human IAM tools, on the other hand, use machine learning and AI to automate identity verification and access control. These tools can analyze user behavior and detect anomalies in real-time, making it easier to prevent identity-based attacks.

Leveraging AI to detect and prevent identity-based attacks is also a key strategy. AI-powered security systems can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may indicate an attack. According to a report by SANS Institute, AI may be the only way to keep up with the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

In addition to these strategies, companies must also prioritize identity security in their cloud environments. According to a report by Azure, 70% of companies use cloud services to store sensitive data, making it a prime target for identity-based attacks.

As one expert noted, “This isn’t about EDR bypass or malware sophistication… This is about an attacker using a browser, as a logged-in user, to hopscotch through environments you thought were segmented.” The stakes have never been higher, and companies must be proactive in protecting their identities and preventing breaches.

In this new era of cybersecurity, identity is not just a technical issue – it’s a human one. When our identity is compromised, it’s not just a matter of security, but a matter of broken trust at the most basic human level. As we move forward, it’s essential that companies prioritize identity security and work towards creating a more secure, more trusted digital landscape.