Source URL: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/09/30/getting-the-most-out-of-continuous-hybrid-identity-in-ddil-environments/
Source: CSA
Title: Building Identity Resilience for the Front Lines
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:**
The text discusses the critical need for a resilient Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) framework in military and civilian operations that must function under disrupted, disconnected, intermittent, and low-bandwidth environments (DDIL). Highlighting the parallels between military operations and civilian business challenges, it outlines strategies for improving identity continuity and resilience against cybersecurity risks during network disruptions.
**Detailed Description:**
The article emphasizes the importance of a robust ICAM framework for operations in environments where network connectivity can be erratic or completely absent. This is particularly pertinent in military contexts but also has implications for civilian sectors facing similar challenges.
Key Areas Discussed:
– **Definition of DDIL Environments:**
– Disrupted, Disconnected, Intermittent, Low-bandwidth environments pose significant risks to operations that depend on constant network access.
– **Impact on Military and Civilian Operations:**
– Military missions often face these challenges, but civilian operations such as maritime activities or during natural disasters do too.
– **Four Core Components of DDIL Strategies:**
– **Disrupted Operations:** Security infrastructure needs to be robust against attacks while ensuring operational continuity.
– **Disconnected Operations:** Certain missions must function without cloud connectivity; examples include submarines and military deployments.
– **Intermittent Access:** Situations arise where access to apps and data is sporadic, which can hinder critical decision-making.
– **Low Bandwidth Scenarios:** Personnel may need to operate on limited connectivity, necessitating solutions that work efficiently with restricted resources.
– **Mitigation Strategies:**
– **Distributed Air-Gap Architecture:** Secure data isolation through a physical and logical air gap.
– **Identity Orchestration Layer:** Integration of various identity systems ensures seamless and secure identity management.
– **Hybrid Networking:** A mix of cloud-based and on-premises identity providers to provide necessary redundancy and operational reliability.
– **Extensive Logging and Reporting:** Keeping track of administrative changes and user access to bolster security.
– **Core Requirements for Resiliency in Identity Continuity:**
– Ability to operate in disconnected modes while seamlessly switching between local and cloud-based identity providers when connectivity is available.
– Providing secure access to distributed workloads, even in tactical edge appliances where traditional access may not be feasible.
– Implementing fallback mechanisms for identity provider failures.
– **Conclusion:**
– Emphasizes that establishing a continuous identity framework supports operational resilience and is essential for Zero Trust security. This is vital in preventing potential business and cyber threats.
– Highlights the transformative potential of these strategies in both military and civilian contexts, advocating for integration of these practices to maintain seamless operations despite environmental challenges.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights for security and compliance professionals, emphasizing the significance of robust identity management and continuous operations, particularly in disruptive environments, underscoring a need for advanced governance, data handling, and security strategies.