Exciting News!

KeyData Cyber has acquired BeyondID, a leading AI-powered, Managed Identity Solutions Provider (MISP) with deep expertise in the Okta platform and identity-first zero trust solutions.

Together, we're creating the #1 IAM Services Partner in North America and a powerhouse in total identity security.

BeyondID and KeyData

BeyondID and KeyData

Blog – IAM

Explore expert insights, industry trends, and practical solutions in identity and access management.

Agentic AI Security: Governing the New Privileged User for a Secure Enterprise

Agentic AI Security: Governing the New Privileged User for a Secure Enterprise

At lightning speed, we're moving beyond simple chatbots and into the era of agentic AI, these powerful AI agents are now being deployed by organizations of all sizes. This giant leap forward in capability represents a monumental business opportunity...

October 14, 2025 | KeyData

Shift Happens: How to Shift from a Reactive to a Proactive Identity Security Posture It’s a whole new world. We used to be able to keep our assets confined behind the walls of our perimeter, but now our users are mobile, accessing our data from smart phones, tablets, and computers at home and abroad – from trusted home networks whose security may have deficiencies or insecure public networks at cafes and airports. In this new world, identity is your true security perimeter, which makes credential management and access protocols your new defensive line. With no physical walls to breach, attackers have shifted their own tactics. Today, many cyberattacks aren’t the result of brute force, they are the result of compromised credentials. In fact, according to Microsoft’s 2024 Digital Defense Report, more than 99% of identity-based attacks are password-based. With so many users accessing your networks from so many places, a reactive security posture—waiting for a breach to happen, hoping you catch it in time, and then responding—is a recipe for disaster. There really is no going back now. The rules have changed and so must we. Let’s talk about how we can shift from a reactive stance that is always a step behind to a proactive defense that can anticipate and neutralize identity-based threats. Shift + Perspective: From Perimeter to People The first step is to shift your perspective. For decades, security was visualized as a castle with a moat, where the network perimeter was the primary line of defense. That worked well for physical networks, but this old security model is obsolete. Today’s reality is that with cloud applications, remote work, and interconnected devices, there is no single perimeter to defend, making identity the new perimeter. Now that our castle’s assets can be accessed anywhere and everywhere, every user, whether human or machine, has become a potential attack vector. A proactive approach to this new threat environment means recognizing that identities are the battleground where battles for security are won or lost. This perspective reframes every security decision. Instead of wondering if we need to build higher walls around our castle, we now must reckon with a new question: "Is this user’s identity verified, and should it have access to this resource?" This simple but powerful mindset shift lays the groundwork for a more resilient and identity-centric security model. Shift + Control: Embracing Zero Trust Principles Now that we have shifted our perspective, we need to rethink how we control access. A proactive identity strategy is built on the foundation of Zero Trust, which is a security principle built on multi-factor authentication, the least privilege principle, and just-in-time access controls. Zero Trust’s core principle of "never trust, always verify" must be applied to every identity and access request, regardless of whether the user is human or machine, or where it originates. This shift in how we think about control is a significant departure from a reactive model that implicitly trusts users once they are inside the network – even when their context changes. So what steps can we take to move toward a proactive Zero Trust security posture? • Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Go beyond basic passwords. Implement strong, phishing-resistant MFA across all applications and systems to create a critical verification layer. • Implement the Principle of Least Privilege Access: Grant users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their jobs. The Principle of Least Privilege drastically reduces the potential attack surface if an account is compromised. • Leverage Just-in-Time (JIT) Access: Eliminate standing privileges with Just-in-Time access, which grants temporary, time-bound access to sensitive resources only when needed. This minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit elevated permissions. Shift + Visibility: Unifying Identity Data Behind a Single Pane of Glass The next step is shifting your visibility. You can't protect what you can't see. A reactive organization often operates with fragmented identity data that is spread across dozens of disconnected systems, from Active Directory and cloud platforms to SaaS applications. This fragmentation creates blind spots that attackers can easily exploit. To truly shift from a reactive to a proactive security posture, you must create a unified view of every identity, including its entitlements, access patterns, and activities, so you can set a baseline for normal user behavior. This visibility, which is the core of Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), uses that baseline to detect and respond to potentially nefarious access attempts. So, what does that look like? This could include a user logging in from an unusual location or accessing sensitive data for the first time. When this behavior is detected, your system can flag it as a potential threat in real-time, essentially turning your raw data into actionable security intelligence, so you can spot and stop attacks before they escalate. Shift + Automation: Scaling Proactive Defense The next step is to shift to automation. In a complex enterprise environment, manually managing thousands of identities and their permissions efficiently is an impossible task. To achieve a truly proactive identity security program requires automation. Moving beyond manual processing of provisioning/de-provisioning requests and tedious access reviews, a proactive strategy leverages automation for efficiency and scalability. • Identity Lifecycle Management: Automating onboarding, role changes, and offboarding processes ensures that a user’s access rights are always aligned with their current role and access requirements. Automation closes critical security gaps efficiently, preventing privilege escalation and the possibility of abandoned accounts that can lurk undetected on your network after an employee departs. • Automated Access Reviews: Moving beyond tedious quarterly spreadsheets, automated tools conduct continuous access certifications. This ensures that user permissions are constantly validated. • Immediate Threat Response: When a threat is detected, automated workflows can respond instantly by disabling an account, forcing a password reset, or notifying the security team. This automated detection and response reduces response times from hours to seconds, effectively containing threats before significant damage can occur. Shift Forward with KeyData Cyber If you’re ready to transition from a slow, manual, reactive security posture to a proactive identity security program that is scalable and affordable, reach out to KeyData Cyber today to schedule a complimentary workshop. We provide an in-depth analysis of your current security program and provide you with a roadmap to a more secure future

Shift Happens: How to Shift from a Reactive to a Proactive Identity Security Posture

According to Microsoft’s 2024 Digital Defense Report, more than 99% of identity-based attacks are password-based. With so many users accessing your networks, a reactive security posture is a recipe for disaster. Shift from a reactive stance to a...

October 3, 2025 | KeyData

Identity Security as Business Risk: A CISO’s Guide to Executive Buy-In

Identity Security as Business Risk: A CISO’s Guide to Executive Buy-In

For years, many executives mistakenly think of IAM as a simple IT function rather than an essential part of their business risk management strategy. As security leaders, our most critical task is to rewrite that narrative. We need a new communication...

September 30, 2025 | KeyData

Identity-First Security: The Ultimate Defense for Digital Banking

Identity-First Security: The Ultimate Defense for Digital Banking

For decades, financial institutions have been focused on protecting networks and fortifying data centers. Today, identity is the primary attack vector. Simple passwords and security questions are no longer sufficient to defend against sophisticated,...

September 23, 2025 | KeyData

The Weakest Link in the Pipeline: Protecting Oil & Gas with Centralized Identity Security

The Weakest Link in the Pipeline: Protecting Oil & Gas with Centralized Identity Security

The operational reality facing the oil and gas industry is a paradox with globally decentralized operations creating a vast, hyper-connected digital landscape where a single compromised identity can trigger a catastrophic, centralized failure. OT/IT...

September 15, 2025 | KeyData

Legacy Systems, Lost Knowledge: How Employee Turnover Threatens Cyber Resilience

Legacy Systems, Lost Knowledge: How Employee Turnover Threatens Cyber Resilience

When employees leave, they don't just take their knowledge and experience; they can also create significant security risks. When cyberattacks are on the rise, can you afford to leave yourself vulnerable to more threats?

September 5, 2025 | KeyData

The Complacency Trap: Why Overconfidence Is the Biggest Cyber Risk

The Complacency Trap: Why Overconfidence Is the Biggest Cyber Risk

We’ve all been there. It’s that comfortable feeling we get when a system is in place and things seem to be working just fine. The truth is that the "good enough" mindset is a trap. While your IAM system prevents the most basic unauthorized access...

September 2, 2025 | KeyData

From Cost Center to Catalyst: The ROI of IAM in a Cloud-First World

From Cost Center to Catalyst: The ROI of IAM in a Cloud-First World

Many business leaders see IAM as a cost center, but the truth is that when fully optimized, IAM can be a powerful catalyst for growth. Let’s talk about how to quantify the value of IAM for cloud-first information architecture and make the ROI of IAM...

August 19, 2025 | KeyData

KeyData Cyber + BeyondID: The Future of Identity Security

KeyData Cyber + BeyondID: The Future of Identity Security

At KeyData Cyber, we’re embracing the opportunity to rethink what’s possible in identity security. Today, we’re proud to share a milestone that strengthens our ability to do exactly that: KeyData Cyber has acquired BeyondID, a leading Managed Identity...

August 13, 2025 | KeyData

From Technical Debt to Identity-First Security: A Roadmap for Regional Banks

From Technical Debt to Identity-First Security: A Roadmap for Regional Banks

Regional banks face the same regulatory burden and security risk as large banks with fewer resources, so every decision is a tough one to make. Since they’re forced to make compromises, technical debt grows, new tools are added, and old ones are...

August 5, 2025 | KeyData

What Can the UNFI Cyberattack Teach Us About Supply Chain Security?

What Can the UNFI Cyberattack Teach Us About Supply Chain Security?

Recently, an incident effectively took UNFI offline, severely disrupting service for countless customers, including Whole Foods. This high-profile event highlights that Cyberattacks against the food industry are on the rise. These companies are...

July 7, 2025 | KeyData

Securing Insurance: Mitigating Third-Party Risk for Insurance Carriers

Securing Insurance: Mitigating Third-Party Risk for Insurance Carriers

The insurance industry, like most others, has become ever more interconnected, with complex networks of internal and external partners and third-party vendors like claims processors and data analytics firms. These partnerships are essential for...

June 24, 2025 | KeyData

Your Mission, Their Data: Right-Sized Identity Security for Non-Profits

Your Mission, Their Data: Right-Sized Identity Security for Non-Profits

Your non-profit exists to serve a mission. Whether you’re feeding the hungry, protecting the environment, or enriching your community, your focus is on making a positive impact. But the data you collect, including personal and financial information...

June 23, 2025 | KeyData

Can You Keep a Secret? Ensuring Attorney-Client Privilege with Identity Security

Can You Keep a Secret? Ensuring Attorney-Client Privilege with Identity Security

The relationship between a client and attorney is predicated on trust. For law firms, information security is an ethical and legal obligation. Attorney-client privilege has become more difficult to maintain since the advent of the internet. With ever...

June 23, 2025 | KeyData

Achieving Canada's Digital Ambition with Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Achieving Canada's Digital Ambition with Identity and Access Management (IAM)

The Government of Canada's Digital Ambition depends on robust IAM. Our blog explains how technologies like SSO, MFA, and PAM are essential for building Canada’s secure digital future.

June 10, 2025 | KeyData

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know - Identity Vetting in the Age of AI

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know - Identity Vetting in the Age of AI

A non-centralized threat group uses stolen identities to get North Koreans hired at tech firms so they can gain access to systems and generate income for the regime. Companies who have fallen prey to this scam have faced costly repercussions. So, if...

May 13, 2025 | KeyData

Securing Digital Identities at Scale with Custom Identity Workflows

Securing Digital Identities at Scale with Custom Identity Workflows

Think about the different types of identities you manage, including employees, non-employees, customers, vendors, partners, APIs, service account, and IoT devices, just to name a few. The complexity of managing digital identities at scale is arguably...

May 12, 2025 | KeyData

CSPM + IAM: The Synergy You Need for Unbreakable Cloud Security

CSPM + IAM: The Synergy You Need for Unbreakable Cloud Security

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) plays a vital role in ensuring your cloud resources are configured securely, but it’s just one part of a robust security architecture and IAM is crucial for controlling who has access to those resources. In this...

April 28, 2025 | KeyData

Migrate from MIM to Saviynt Without Losing Your Mind ...or Your Data

Migrate from MIM to Saviynt Without Losing Your Mind ...or Your Data

It’s been 4 years since Microsoft announced that support would end for Microsoft Identity Manager in January of 2029. Some organizations, particularly those with fairly simple MIM configurations that could be easily ported, were able to quickly...

April 22, 2025 | KeyData

Identity Security Across Centralized and Decentralized Models

Identity Security Across Centralized and Decentralized Models

Whether your identity and access management model is centralized, decentralized, or somewhere in between, it should evolve with your organization—not hold it back. In this blog, we break down why decentralized IAM happens, when it makes sense, and how...

April 8, 2025 | KeyData

I Connect Therefore I Am: Extending Zero Trust to Machine Identities

I Connect Therefore I Am: Extending Zero Trust to Machine Identities

The sheer volume of machine identities has expanded the attack surface exponentially for most organizations. Without a clear understanding of what these machines are doing and how they're accessing resources, organizations operate with a significant...

April 1, 2025 | KeyData

Lessons Learned From The SickKids Hospital Breach: What Went Wrong and How to Prevent It

Lessons Learned From The SickKids Hospital Breach: What Went Wrong and How to Prevent It

The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada was the target of a ransomware incident carried out by the notorious LockBit cybercriminal organization. This dangerous attack disrupted vital hospital functions, leading to delays in obtaining...

March 11, 2025 | KeyData

Building an Enterprise-Wide Security Culture with an Identify-First Mindset

Building an Enterprise-Wide Security Culture with an Identify-First Mindset

In the past, IT security meant locking the door to the server room and manually managing user access, but a lot has changed since then. With a distributed workforce collaborating from anywhere in the world through cloud and hybrid applications, locking...

February 19, 2025 | KeyData

CISO Blueprint for Higher Education

CISO Blueprint for Higher Education

In higher education cybersecurity, there's a lot you can't control. The threat landscape is constantly shifting, budgets are tight, and users can be unpredictable. This blueprint offers four steps to help you focus on what you can control to build a...

February 5, 2025 | KeyData

Fortify and Defend: Fight Ransomware with an Identity-Centric Security Program

Fortify and Defend: Fight Ransomware with an Identity-Centric Security Program

Is your organization prepared for the rising threat of ransomware? Fight ransomware with an Identity-Centric Security Program to strengthen your defenses and protect your critical data.

January 31, 2025 | KeyData

Higher Education IAM Challenges - Solved

Higher Education IAM Challenges - Solved

Higher education faces unique identity security challenges. Learn how to manage multiple personas, secure cloud & on-prem systems, and strengthen your security.

January 14, 2025 | KeyData

Is Your University's IAM Ready?

Is Your University's IAM Ready?

Universities face growing challenges: managing seamless access for a large volume of students, faculty, and staff across digital platforms. Outdated IAM systems leave institutions vulnerable.

October 10, 2024 | KeyData

What Can we Learn About Solving IAM Problems From the Classic Board Game Risk?

Your Move: What Can we Learn About Solving IAM Problems From the Classic Board Game Risk?

IAM success, like winning in RISK, requires strategy, adaptability, and risk assessment. Learn how diplomacy, patience & commitment in RISK mirror IAM principles for tackling uncertainty and change.

September 17, 2024 | Dustin Hoff

Start Maximizing Business Value with an IAM Maturity Assessment

Start Maximizing Business Value with an IAM Maturity Assessment

An IAM maturity assessment reveals hidden costs of outdated practices and highlights business value through improved efficiency and security. Learn how maturing IAM drives growth and justifies investments.

August 1, 2024 | KeyData

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