The administration of non-human identities in digital environments.
Description
Identity Management (IDM) in the context of Non-Human Identities (NHIs) refers to the processes and technologies used to manage and secure identities that are not associated with human users. NHIs can include a broad range of entities such as devices, applications, services, and automated processes that require unique identifiers and authentication mechanisms. As organizations increasingly adopt Internet of Things (IoT) devices, cloud applications, and automated systems, the need for robust IDM systems becomes critical. These systems ensure that NHIs are properly authenticated, authorized, and monitored to prevent unauthorized access and maintain security. Effective IDM for NHIs also involves managing the lifecycle of these identities, including their creation, maintenance, and deletion, as well as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. By implementing IDM for NHIs, organizations can enhance their security posture, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency in managing digital identities.
Examples
- IoT devices such as smart meters and sensors requiring unique identity management.
- Automated applications that interact with APIs needing secure authentication and authorization.
Additional Information
- IDM for NHIs is crucial in environments with a high density of connected devices.
- Emerging technologies like blockchain are being explored for secure identity management of NHIs.
References
- Non-human Account Management (v4)
- Shining the Spotlight on the Rising Risks of Non-Human Identities
- Entro Security Labs Releases Non-Human Identities Research Security Advisory
- Human vs. Non-Human Identity in SaaS
- Articles
- Managing Non-Human Identities for Vendor Access and Least Privilege Application Management Managing Non-Human Identities for Vendor Access and Least Privilege Application Management
- Incorporating Machine Identities into an Identity-Centric Strategy | Identity Defined Security Alliance
- identity management (ID management)
- The Seven Types of Non-human Identities to Secure
- The Identity Management Challenge