What are Non-Human Identities used for?

NHI enable systems and technical resources to authenticate and gain access to other systems, data, and services.

Why can Non-Human Identities pose a security risk?

Poor visibility, excessive permissions, or inadequately protected credentials can allow attackers to misuse technical identities to gain access to systems and data.

How should organizations secure Non-Human Identities?

Organizations should maintain visibility into technical identities, restrict access to what is necessary, protect credentials, and manage identity lifecycles so that unnecessary identities and privileges are removed.

Why are NHI becoming more important with AI and automation?

As organizations adopt more cloud services, APIs, automated processes, and AI-based solutions, the number of technical identities that must be securely authenticated, authorized, and managed also increases.

NHI (non-human identities)

What are NHI (non-human identities)?

NHI (non-human identities) are digital identities used by applications, services, machines, automated processes, and other technical resources rather than people. These identities allow systems to authenticate and access other systems, data, and services. Examples can include service accounts, API keys, tokens, certificates, and identities associated with cloud workloads.

A useful analogy is an access badge assigned to a machine rather than an employee. An automated process may need access to specific areas to perform its job, but it should not have access to anything beyond what is necessary. Similarly, an NHI needs appropriate permissions, protection against misuse, and removal when it is no longer required.

Sicra and NHI

NHI is an important part of modern identity security. As organizations adopt more cloud services, APIs, automation, and AI-powered solutions, the number of technical identities that need to be managed also increases. Poor visibility, excessive privileges, or inadequately protected credentials can provide attackers with opportunities to access corporate systems and data.

Sicra helps organizations establish stronger control over identities and access through assessments, modern identity architecture, and Zero Trust principles. This can help organizations discover identities, reduce unnecessary privileges, and establish secure access for both human and non-human identities.

Services

Identity maturity assessment

Zero Trust maturity assessment

Security strategy

Cloud security maturity assessment

CISO-for-hire

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