By now, everyone is familiar with the Zero-Trust security model. The main concept behind Zero-Trust is “never trust, always verify.” This means that users and devices should not be trusted by default, even if they are connected to a permissioned network or previously verified. The principle of least privilege within a modern identity governance solution is central to ensuring Zero-Trust. In an organization where the principle of least privilege drives the Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solution, critical systems only afford user accounts and devices the minimum access required to perform their tasks. This practice dramatically mitigates the damage that compromised user accounts or devices could potentially cause.
While most organizations have taken steps to prepare for Zero-Trust, there is a sizeable gap between taking initiative and implementing the model. According to Statista, 97 percent of companies report having Zero-Trust security initiatives in 2022. However, Gartner reports that just one percent of companies currently have cybersecurity programs that operate on the assumption that threats may already exist within their networks and that both external and internal actors could potentially be malicious. Their systems do not automatically distrust privileged users or accounts as part of their governance process, or application. They do not enforce privileged access controls and implement the continuous verification of identities and devices. In other words, to meet the definition of Zero-Trust most organizations have work to do.
Part of the gap between Zero-Trust initiatives and implementation is that most organizations’ legacy identity governance systems do not offer sufficient functionality to apply least privilege. As organizations add advanced, cloud-hosted elements to their environments, they must create custom code to manage access to them. Over time, these customizations compromise identity governance and compel organizations to devote even more resources to make them work. Today, deploying modern identity governance is the least costly and disruptive way to close the gap and realize the benefits of a mature Zero-Trust model.
How least privilege works
Applying the principle of least privilege reduces the cyberattack surface and lowers the risk of security breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive data. Here is how it works:
Mitigates insider threats
Least privilege compels users, even those with privileged access permissions, to continually verify their identities. Even if an attacker were to gain unauthorized access, least privilege limits the damage they can do.
Stops external attack vectors
Restricting user access only to the applications and data required for their roles just keeps the “honest people” from compromising security. Least privilege goes above and beyond. When hackers launch social engineering attacks (e.g., phishing) to gain unauthorized access, least privilege adds internal controls to reduce their ability to carry out malicious activity.
Reduces data breach risk
Many organizations have difficulty managing entitlement creep and separation of duties. Excessive permissions and toxic combinations increase the chance of both accidental and intentional security failures. Least privilege helps limit potential fallout.
Helps satisfy compliance requirements
For organizations managing strict industry- and geography-specific regulations, least privilege helps meet compliance requirements and ensures effective auditing and reporting.
How least privilege helps create Zero-Trust security
Streamlines user activity tracking and monitoring
Implementing least privilege makes it simpler to identify suspicious or unauthorized actions.
Simplifies access management
When users change roles or responsibilities within the organization, least privilege informs administrators how to adjust permissions more easily based on their new requirements.
Sharpens role definition
Least privilege features role-based access control (RBAC). Organizations can assign permissions based on users’ roles and restrict access to what is sufficient to do their jobs.
Easier privilege elevation
When users require temporary elevated permissions to perform specific tasks, administrators can use least privilege to implement controlled privilege elevation mechanisms. This reduces the risk of permanently granting unnecessary access.
Automated provisioning and deprovisioning
Automated tools and processes provision and deprovision user accounts and their associated permissions throughout robust identity lifecycle management This reduces the risk of human error and ensures that access is granted or revoked consistently.
Attributes of a least privilege-focused modern identity governance solution
You must have a solid plan for creating and implementing a least privilege-driven modern IGA solution that enables you to satisfy current requirements and adapt to meet future demands. Here is a list of must-haves:
SaaS-based
Ongoing software maintenance, upgrades, and patching are significant challenges for organizations using legacy systems. A SaaS-based solution eliminates the need to do these things and reduces the total cost of ownership.
Configurable rather than customizable
Every time an organization writes custom code to address a new requirement the risk of “breaking the system” elevates. A modern IGA solution must be configurable to reduce costs and cut time to implementation.
Cloud-ready
Legacy systems are not suitable to apply the principle of least privilege to cloud-managed environments. You must be able to configure your modern IGA solution to function with cloud-based applications and data.
Easy to integrate
Modern IGA solutions must get identity governance right, starting with least privilege. You must be able to integrate identity governance with other solutions such as best-in-breed privileged access management (PAM) and identity access management (IAM) to create a true Zero-Trust model.
Omada offers a best practices identity governance framework that provides details on how to successfully deploy and maintain a modern identity governance solution and implement a mature Zero-Trust model.
About the Author: With over 25 years of global experience in cybersecurity and a focus on Identity & Access Management, Paul Walker is a seasoned professional known for his exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. Currently serving as a Field Strategist at Omada, he brings a wealth of expertise in value selling, product growth, and IAM solution evangelism. Paul has held key positions at Clear Skye, One Identity, and Dell, consistently driving technical strategy and maintaining impactful relationships with customers and partners throughout his distinguished career.
About the Company: Omada, a global market leader in Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), offers a full-featured, cloud native IGA solution that enables organizations to achieve compliance, reduce risk, and maximize efficiency. To ensure successful deployment in 12 weeks, Omada’s Accelerator package provides a reliable starting point for IGA projects with a standardized implementation approach, best-practice framework for process design, and training for efficient user adoption. Founded in 2000, Omada delivers innovative identity management to complex hybrid enterprise environments globally.
