Strengthen Your Organization’s Identity Security

Week 1

This week, we focus on identity security—what it is, why it matters, and how your organization can reduce the risks associated with human error and digital identity theft.

Human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. Weak passwords, falling for phishing links, or skipping critical updates can all create serious vulnerabilities. No matter the size of your organization, identity security should be a core pillar of your cybersecurity strategy.

0%
Breaches Involve Human Error

From Physical to

Digital Identity

There was a time when your Social Security number, driver’s license, or passport were all you needed to prove who you were. But in today’s digital world, those same identifiers are valuable targets for cybercriminals.

Hackers now exploit personal and organizational identity data for:

  • Espionage
  • Financial gain
  • Reputation damage
  • Or sometimes, simply for fun

This makes identity security systems essential to protect both data and digital identities from unauthorized access.

What is Identity Security & Why Does It Matter


Identity Security is the combination of people, processes, and technologies that ensure:

  • The right individuals access the right resources
  • At the right time
  • For the right reasons

What makes up a digital identity?

  • Names, usernames, and passwords
  • Digital certificates
  • Email addresses & phone numbers
  • Biometric data (fingerprints, face scans, etc.)
  • Government-issued IDs (passport, driver’s license)
  • Digital wallets & payment credentials
  • Browsing history & online activity

Attackers target identities because they unlock access to accounts, systems, and sensitive data. Strong identity security helps organizations:

  • Enable secure hybrid & remote work
  • Safeguard sensitive information & systems
  • Prevent data breaches & identity theft
  • Stay compliant with regulations & frameworks
  • Manage access to apps, data, and systems effectively
  • Detect suspicious activity before it escalates

Threats Identity Security Helps Prevent

  • Insider attacks
  • Fraud & financial theft
  • Man-in-the-middle attacks

How Does Identity Security Work?

Identity security protects user and machine identities, and the data they access, by verifying and managing who has access to what. The main functions of identity security are:

Authentication

Authentication

Strong authentication is an essential component of identity security. Confirming a user’s identity, through multiple secure methods such as with a password, fingerprint scan, or biometric scan

Authorization

Authorization

Determining what resources and level of access a user is allowed based on pre-configured roles

Monitoring

Monitoring

Looking for suspicious activity or weak posture






What Will Hacker’s do?

Hackers use digital identities in a variety of methods to gain access to an organization’s data, including:

Data breaches

Hackers can create fake websites to steal passwords.

Fake Wi-Fi access points

Hackers can create fake Wi-Fi access points to trick users into connecting to a network and giving them access to information.


Deepfake technology

Hackers can use deepfake technology to create realistic synthetic media content to spread misinformation or commit fraud.

AI-powered password cracking

Hackers can use AI algorithms to identify patterns and make predictions to crack passwords.

Hackers can use the information they steal to commit identity theft, which can involve opening new accounts, making unauthorized purchases, or applying for loans.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Organization?

  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex passwords using symbols, numbers and upper- and lower-case characters at least 12 characters in length.

      • Do not use easily guessable phrases like your birthday.
      • Do not use the same password for everything.
      • A password manager service is highly recommended to assist in randomly generating passwords and storing them in an easy-to-use tool.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Requiring a second form of verification by receiving a code to your phone or an authenticator app adds another layer if your password is breached.

  • Monitor Your Organization’s Credit and Accounts: Monitor your business’s credit profile with Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Many financial services can be configured to send you transaction information and it is always a good idea to log in regularly and review.

  • Send Secure Communications: Do not send sensitive information via email or public websites.

      • Encryption
        • Secure Links
  • Do not Share Personal Information: If you do need to share personal information, understand why you need to share it and be incredibly careful who you share it with.
  • Protect and Shred Sensitive Documents: Keep business records and documents in locked cabinets or password-protected files. Before disposing of documents containing personal information, be sure to shred them. You never know when a dumpster driver will use this information against you.

  • Respond Quickly: If you suspect identity theft, contact your bank, credit reporting agencies, vendors, suppliers, and customers. You should also call local law enforcement.

Tip: Check if Your Identity has Been Compromised

We’ve shared this tip before, but it is worth repeating. If you are like many of us, you may have received a notice that your personal information was part of a data breach*. As a result, it is more likely than not that your personal information is out in the wild on the dark web, allowing hackers to take advantage to cause you financial harm.

Check if you’ve been part of a security breach

Freeze Your Credit: Set up accounts with Experian, Equifax, and Transunion to freeze your credit. If your identity is breached, this will help to keep hackers from opening financial accounts and services in your name. You can use these services to review your credit score regularly.

Test your knowledge on our fun game!

The goal is to correctly identify four sets of four words that are connected by a common theme before making four incorrect guesses.