Checklist: Essential Steps for IT Admins in Non-Human Identity Management

In today's complex IT environments, non-human identities (NHIs) like service accounts play a crucial role in automating processes and facilitating machine-to-machine communication. However, these NHIs often fly under the radar, making them prime targets for cyber threats. And when IT and security teams turn their attention to NHIs, they often find that managing them is more complex than they initially realized. 

Challenges in NHI Management

Non-human identities often lack visibility and proper oversight. Without stringent management, they can accumulate excessive permissions, leading to potential misuse or compromise. The difficulty in tracking these entities and their access levels makes it challenging for IT admins to enforce security policies effectively.

Essential Steps for Securing Non-Human Identities

These steps can serve as an actionable checklist for IT Admins looking to inventory and secure their Non-Human Identities: 

• Inventory All Service Accounts: Start by identifying and documenting every non-human identity within your organization. A comprehensive inventory is the foundation for effective management.

• Least Privilege Access: Assign only the minimal necessary permissions to each service account. Regularly review the permissions NHIs have and assess whether they are actually being used. This helps in reducing the attack surface by limiting permission sprawl, and prevents unauthorized access.

• Regularly Rotate Credentials: Establish a routine schedule for changing passwords and keys associated with service accounts. Frequent rotation minimizes the risk of credential theft and unauthorized use.

• Monitor and Audit Activity: Implement monitoring tools to keep an eye on actions taken by NHIs. Set up alerts for unusual behavior and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with security policies.

• Automate Identity Management: Utilize advanced tools and platforms that offer automated provisioning and deprovisioning of NHIs. Automation reduces human error and enhances efficiency.

• Educate IT Staff: Provide ongoing training for your IT team on best practices in managing non-human identities. An informed team is better equipped to handle the complexities of NHI management.

Why Prioritize Now

Cyber threats targeting service accounts are on the rise. With increasing regulatory pressures and compliance requirements, neglecting NHI security can have legal repercussions. Prioritizing non-human identity management enhances your organization's overall security posture and mitigates risks associated with data breaches.

Proactive management of non-human identities is essential for safeguarding your organization's digital assets. By implementing this checklist, IT admins can strengthen security measures, ensure compliance, and protect against evolving cyber threats.