A security mechanism that regulates who or what can view or use resources in a computing environment.
Description
In the context of Non-Human Identities (NHIs), access control refers to the policies and technologies that determine the permissions and restrictions applied to automated entities, such as software applications, IoT devices, and machine accounts. These NHIs often require access to sensitive data and resources, necessitating robust access control measures to safeguard against unauthorized usage. Access control can be implemented through various methods, including role-based access control (RBAC), attribute-based access control (ABAC), and discretionary access control (DAC). Each method ensures that NHIs can only perform actions that are permitted by their assigned roles or attributes. The implementation of strong access control is essential in maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information, particularly as NHIs become more integral to organizational operations. As the landscape of digital identity evolves, ensuring that NHIs are appropriately authenticated and granted the least privilege necessary is crucial to mitigating risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access.
Examples
- An IoT device that can only send data to a specific server based on its unique identity.
- A cloud application that restricts API access to certain machine accounts based on their roles.
Additional Information
- Access control systems can utilize multi-factor authentication to verify the identity of NHIs.
- Regular audits of access control policies can help identify and mitigate potential security gaps.
References
- What are non-human identities - Astrix Security
- The State of Non-Human Identity Security | CSA
- Security Operations for Non-Human Identities - The Hacker News
- A Human's Guide to Non-Human Identities (NHIs) - Aembit
- Non-Human Identity Management - Veza
- Navigating the Growing Challenges of Non-Human Identities in IT
- Non-Human Identity Management - OASIS Security
- What Are Non-Human Identities? - ConductorOne
- Non-Human Identity Management: A Guide - Cycode