Are Non-Human Identities Exposing Your Business?

What are Non-Human Identities?

Non-human identities (NHIs) are digital identities that represent applications, services, devices, or other non-human entities. NHIs use various authentication and authorization mechanisms to access resources and perform actions. Think of APIs that allow different applications to communicate, service accounts that automate critical IT processes, and the rapidly expanding network of IoT devices that collect and transmit data. These are all examples of NHIs, and they play a vital role in modern business operations.

The Risks of Insecure NHIs

Compromised NHIs can have devastating consequences for your business. These identities often have have a high level of privilege and extensive access to confidential data. Imagine a scenario where an attacker gains access to your customer order database through a vulnerable API. The result? A massive data breach, exposing sensitive personal information and potentially leading to hefty fines, legal battles, and irreparable damage to your reputation.

The OWASP NHI Top 10

The OWASP Non-Human Identities Top 10 provides a comprehensive overview of the most prevalent security risks associated with NHIs. While each vulnerability has its own nuances, they generally fall into a few key categories:

• Authentication and Authorization: This category focuses on weaknesses in how NHIs are identified and granted access. Common weaknesses include weak or default credentials, lack of multi-factor authentication, and overly permissive access rights.

• Credential Management: Properly managing NHI credentials (secrets, keys, certificates) is crucial. Common problems include hardcoded credentials, key re-use, insecure storage, and lack of expiry.

• Security Hardening: This encompasses a range of security best practices, such as patching vulnerabilities, configuring systems securely, and implementing proper logging and monitoring. Logging and monitoring is essential to identify suspicious activity associated with NHIs.

• Lifecycle Management: NHIs need to be properly provisioned, managed, and decommissioned when they are no longer required. Common vulnerabilities include orphaned accounts, unused credentials, and lack of proper deprovisioning processes. Orphaned or forgotten NHIs can become backdoors for attackers, allowing them to maintain persistent access to your systems even after a legitimate user has left the organization.
  

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach is Key

The world of non-human identities is complex and constantly evolving. But by understanding the risks outlined in the OWASP NHI Top 10 and taking proactive steps to secure your NHIs, you can significantly reduce your attack surface and protect your business from costly breaches and disruptions.

Ready to secure your non-human identities? Contact us today for a comprehensive security assessment and learn how our solutions can help you protect your business.

More Information:

OWASP Non-Human Identities: Top Ten [owasp.org]