CSA: Comparing Human and Non-Human Identities

Apr 11, 2025

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Source URL: https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/articles/human-and-non-human-identities-the-overlooked-security-risk-in-modern-enterprises
Source: CSA
Title: Comparing Human and Non-Human Identities

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AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text provides a comprehensive overview of the roles and security implications of both human and non-human identities (NHIs) in cloud environments. It emphasizes the critical need for effective management and security practices to protect against unique threats posed by NHIs while also addressing the prevalent risks associated with human identities.

Detailed Description: The content highlights the importance of understanding and securing both human and non-human identities within cloud and SaaS environments. Here are the major points discussed:

– **Human Identities**:
– Defined as digital identifiers (e.g., usernames, passwords) assigned to individual users.
– Essential for managing access, tracking user activities, and ensuring accountability.
– Vulnerable to various security threats, including:
– **Phishing Attacks**: Deceptive methods to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
– **Credential Leaks**: Breaches where user credentials are exposed.
– **Social Engineering**: Exploiting human psychology to gain unauthorized access.

– **Mitigation Strategies**:
– Conduct regular audits of user accounts and access logs.
– Provide user training on recognizing phishing attempts and maintaining password hygiene.
– Implement advanced authentication measures like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

– **Non-Human Identities (NHIs)**:
– Include digital identities assigned to applications, services, and automated systems.
– Vital for the operation of cloud services, allowing automation and seamless integration.
– Present unique security challenges:
– **Hardcoded Credentials**: Often exposed through improper coding practices.
– **Insecure Storage**: Lax practices in credential storage leading to vulnerabilities.
– **Unauthorized Access**: NHIs might inadvertently access more resources than intended.

– **Mitigation Strategies**:
– Adopt the principle of least privilege for NHIs to minimize access levels.
– Use secure credential management techniques to prevent hardcoded secrets.
– Establish continuous monitoring systems to detect anomalies in NHI activities.
– Define permission boundaries for NHIs to restrict their access.

– **Importance of Complete Cloud Security**:
– Both human and non-human identities come with predictable behaviors that need tailored security measures.
– Emphasizes the need for organizations to implement a comprehensive identity security strategy to protect sensitive data.
– Not addressing identity management can lead to significant breaches, making it critical to monitor and secure both identity types actively.

In conclusion, securing human and non-human identities is paramount for organizations operating in cloud environments. By employing robust security practices and understanding the different risks presented by both identity types, organizations can mitigate potential threats effectively, strengthen compliance, and maintain the integrity of their systems.

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