Information Security (InfoSec) refers to the processes and methodologies involved in protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and data breaches.
Description
In the context of Non-Human Identities (NHIs), Information Security (InfoSec) encompasses the strategies and technologies used to safeguard data associated with entities that do not have a physical human presence, such as automated systems, AI, and IoT devices. As NHIs become more prevalent in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and smart cities, the importance of InfoSec grows significantly. These identities often interact with sensitive data and systems, making them potential targets for cyber threats. Consequently, robust InfoSec measures are essential to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information associated with NHIs. This includes implementing encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring to detect and respond to security incidents. Additionally, as NHIs often operate autonomously, the challenge lies in ensuring that they adhere to established security protocols without human intervention, necessitating the development of advanced security frameworks and guidelines tailored to the unique characteristics of NHIs.
Examples
- An AI system managing user credentials for a cloud service.
- A smart sensor in a manufacturing plant collecting sensitive operational data.
Additional Information
- NHIs must comply with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.
- The rise of NHIs increases the complexity of threat landscapes, requiring adaptive security measures.
References
- What are non-human identities and why do they matter?
- Entro Security Labs Releases Non-Human Identities Research Security Advisory
- 2025 State of NHI and Secrets in Cybersecurity | Entro Labs
- Non-Human Identity Management | OASIS Security
- 3 key strategies for mitigating non-human identity risks
- Clutch | Securing Non-Human Identities. Everywhere.
- Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #InfoSec
- Effective Non-Human Identities and Secrets Security | Whitepaper
- Personally Identifiable Information
- non-person entity (NPE) - Glossary