Access Management Strategies: Best Practices and Emerging Trends for Cybersecurity Teams

By Joseph Carson
October 3, 2023


• Categories: 05-Quality/Regulatory, AI/ML, Cybersecurity

Access management is an essential facet of cybersecurity and is quickly adapting to counteract the continuously shifting cyber threats. For cybersecurity professionals working in the medtech arena, staying updated on the latest trends in access management empowers them to make better choices in safeguarding their systems.

The Current State of Access Management

Cybersecurity professionals utilize a range of strategies and tools to handle access with accuracy. Key among these methods are Single Sign-On (SSO), Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Single Sign-On (SSO) streamlines the user’s journey, permitting them to sign in just once to access multiple applications and services without re-inputting their details. This minimizes the mental burden on users and decreases the likelihood of security issues related to password forgetfulness.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) offers a holistic approach encompassing SSO and integrating several other technologies, including user identity management, Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Active Directory security measures. IAM tools give intricate control over user permissions, enabling the application of detailed policies dependent on user roles and information sensitivity.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) increases security levels by mandating users to present at least two forms of identification before granting access. These forms of ID can range from something the user knows or possesses, such as a smart device, to a unique characteristic such as a digital fingerprint.

Emerging Trends in Access Management

The field of access management is adapting to recent technological strides. As the digital revolution surges forward, innovations harnessing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) and Blockchain come to the forefront, offering both enhanced security and streamlined efficiency.

AI and ML are creating ripples in the access management sector. By analyzing user behaviors, these technologies create accurate models to pinpoint discrepancies. If a user acts out of the ordinary—for example, accessing data at unusual times or viewing confidential content—the system perceives it as a potential security breach.

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AI and ML also can refine processes by automating them, thereby minimizing human intervention and its associated errors. These technologies play a pivotal role in automating the allocation and retraction of access rights, ensuring the right people gain entry to the right tools exactly when needed.

Blockchain technology has been making waves in the financial sector; it’s also finding its way into access management. Blockchain’s decentralized and non-reputable nature make it an appealing option for creating secure and tamper-proof systems to manage digital identities. An excellent example is the IBM Blockchain solution, which uses blockchain technology to provide a decentralized identity verification system. This system gives users control over their data, allowing them to decide who gets access to their information and when. It also provides a transparent audit trail, making tracking and managing access rights easier.

Passwordless Authentication

As technology advances and security concerns become more prevalent, passwordless authentication has emerged as a viable and attractive solution. This innovative approach to securing systems and data could play a vital role in the future of cybersecurity. Passwordless authentication provides several benefits that can significantly improve both security and user experience, including:

• Enhanced Security: Traditional passwords can be easily compromised through phishing, brute force attacks or simple guesswork. Passwordless authentication eliminates this risk using more secure methods such as biometrics or hardware tokens, which are much more challenging for attackers to replicate or steal, providing an additional layer of security.
• Improved User Experience: Remembering multiple complex passwords can be a hassle. By eliminating passwords, users can access systems and data more quickly and conveniently, improving user satisfaction and productivity.
• Reduced Overhead Costs: Password resets can consume significant IT resources. Organizations can reduce these overhead costs by going passwordless and allowing IT teams to focus on more strategic tasks.

We expect to see even more innovative solutions to enhance access management and bolster cybersecurity as technology evolves.

The Role of Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance plays a pivotal role in shaping access management solutions. Cybersecurity teams must align their practices with various national and international regulations to ensure the security of their systems and their legal standing. Key regulations medtech cybersecurity teams should be aware of include:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): This extensive data protection legislation, established by the European Union, mandates organizations to adopt rigorous practices to safeguard the privacy and individual data of EU residents. This also covers protocols for accessing the data.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): For healthcare providers in the U.S., HIPAA compliance is critical. This act mandates the protection of sensitive patient health information, requiring robust access management controls to ensure only authorized individuals can access this data.
• Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): This standard applies to companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information. It outlines requirements for managing access to this sensitive data to prevent credit card fraud.

How Hybrid and Remote Working Situations Have Impacted Cybersecurity

The shift towards hybrid and remote working, accelerated by the global pandemic, has had profound implications for cybersecurity. This new paradigm has introduced various challenges that organizations must address to ensure the security of their systems and data.

One of the primary challenges is managing access to organizational resources from various locations and devices. Unlike traditional office settings, remote workers access company resources from home networks, often over unsecured internet connections, and sometimes from personal devices that may not have the same level of security as company-provided ones.

Additionally, the physical separation of team members can make enforcing security protocols harder and increase the risk of human error. For example, an employee might inadvertently share sensitive information over an unsecured channel or fall victim to a phishing scam.

Adapting Access Management Strategies

To address the challenges of remote work, access management strategies need a fresh approach. Strengthening authentication methods, such as using multi-factor authentication, is crucial to verify that the individual logging in is indeed the authorized person.

Companies may also find it beneficial to invest in dependable virtual private network (VPN) systems, offering a safe link for those working remotely. While Remote Desktop Protocols (RDP) can be a solution to bolster secure connections, they can also pose vulnerabilities if not meticulously managed. Furthermore, businesses must educate their staff on the importance of cyber hygiene when working remotely and ensure they’re equipped with trustworthy security tools to defend their systems.

Training and Development for Cyber Security Teams

Cybersecurity is dynamic, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging almost daily. This necessitates that cybersecurity professionals continuously update their skills and knowledge. By doing so, they can anticipate and respond to new threats, implement the latest security measures and ensure the overall resilience of their organization’s cyber defenses.

Several resources and programs can help cybersecurity professionals stay up-to-date. These include:

• Certification Programs: Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CompTIA Security+ provide structured learning paths and recognition in the industry.
• Online Courses: Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer a plethora of courses on various cybersecurity topics, from beginner level to advanced.
• Webinars and Conferences: Regularly attending industry webinars and conferences can keep teams updated on the latest trends and provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.
• Industry Publications: Subscribing to industry publications such as CyberWire, Dark Reading and CSO Online can provide insights into current threats and the latest best practices in cybersecurity.

Medtech companies should allocate time and resources for team members to attend courses, webinars or conferences. This benefits the individuals and the organization as they bring back new knowledge to the team.

Access Management: The Key to Enhanced Security

A comprehensive access management system is fundamental to a holistic security approach. Organizations aiming to safeguard their systems and data should embrace authentication methods that cater to both current and upcoming security demands. By doing so, they can strengthen their security posture and reduce the risk of data breaches. In addition, by investing in ongoing learning and fostering a culture that values it, companies can help their cybersecurity teams stay ahead of the curve to effectively combat threats and strengthen their organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.