Road to 1k

Heeey! Look at that, we gained some subscribers this week! ( Welcome, we love having you here). Total count now sits at 459

SailPoint extending the partner network

Ok some interesting news from SailPoint this last week. The first an announcement of a Strategic Partnership/acquisition..kinda. So SailPoint buys Imprivata’s IGA business, and also will resell Imprivata’s Access Management solution in the healthcare space. ( Remember that tidbit, as it could become important later).

Also SailPoint and Grip Security team up to help organizations increase their SaaS coverage. Smart move here by SailPoint, this could immediately be a integration you can drive into current customers to help them quickly increase their app coverage.

Putting on my BD hat for a sec. Both of these partnerships signal something to me. DISCLAIMER: The following is my opinion, I could totally be wrong.

I could see both of these partnerships leading to acquisitions for SailPoint. Grip security would just be a flat our purchase. Helps current customers increase coverage, helps prospective customers get quick time to value by getting an accelerated onboarding.

The Imprivata partnership I think is more SailPoint dipping their toe in the water to determine how they are going to solve the Front Door problem. ( See the post below, and also check out the blog posting tomorrow) 😀. But the short of it is, SailPoint needs to find ways to get closer to the action and become a more active part of an identity security architecture. Food for thought.

Securing the real last mile

Or really the last 18 inches. SecureAuth announced an acquisitions last week that brings security to an area that’s needed it. The screen. For those of us that travel,we’ve all seen it. That one person in the lounge, laptop open, accessing sensitive data, and then walks away to grab a snack. 🤦🏿‍♂️

Well with this recent acquisition by SecureAuth those days could be things of the past. Paraphrasing here, but SessionGuardian basically provides continuous authentication while the user interacting with the application. Using the camera it can detect if the user walks away, if the user is the actual person they are supposed to be, and also can detect shoulder surfing. I got a chance to see a demo at Gartner and it’s cool tech, and definitely something that’s needed.

PREDICTIONS!!

Oh I love a good prediction list! This one from the crew over at Entro Security. It’s decent…kind of self serving, but hey I get it. My favorite one was this:

AI Will Revolutionize Identity and Access Management (IAM)

I agree..although probably for different reasons. I think the combination of LLMs and Agentic AI will completely change the way we look at IAM. I see things like completely automated app onboarding, JML automation, and even automated access review certifications.

What’s your predictions for 2025?

The Front Door Dilemma: A Challenge for IAM Platforms

In IAM, the “front door” refers to the mechanisms that validate a user’s identity before granting them access. This typically includes authentication methods such as passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and more advanced tools like adaptive authentication and behavioral analytics.

The dilemma arises when an IAM platform excels in downstream functions—like provisioning, access reviews, or governance—while neglecting the critical task of securing the front door. Without strong entry controls, all the advanced features of an IAM platform are undermined. After all, if an attacker gains initial access, even the best governance and lifecycle management won’t save you.

Why the Front Door Matters

The front door is the first and most critical line of defense in identity security. Here’s why it demands attention:

1. Prevention Over Cure: Platforms that emphasize governance and remediation often deal with issues after they’ve occurred. Front door controls, however, prevent unauthorized access before it happens, reducing the risk of breaches.

2. User Trust: Poor authentication experiences lead to frustration, shadow IT, and reduced productivity. A strong, seamless front-door experience is vital for user adoption and trust in the platform.

3. Threat Evolution: Attackers are increasingly sophisticated, leveraging tactics like credential stuffing and phishing to bypass traditional authentication. Without advanced front-door capabilities, an IAM platform is vulnerable to modern threats.

The Authentication Commoditization Problem

One of the reasons the Front Door Dilemma persists is the commoditization of authentication. Basic MFA and single sign-on (SSO) are now table stakes, with many organizations expecting these features as default. This leaves IAM platforms with a challenge: how do you differentiate your front-door capabilities in a crowded market?

The answer lies in innovation. Platforms need to move beyond “check-the-box” authentication and invest in:

• Adaptive Authentication: Using contextual factors like location, device, and behavior to dynamically adjust authentication requirements.

• Behavioral Analytics: Continuously analyzing user behavior to detect anomalies and potential threats in real time.

• Passwordless Solutions: Offering frictionless, secure authentication methods that eliminate the vulnerabilities of traditional passwords.

The Cost of Ignoring the Front Door

Platforms that neglect the Front Door Dilemma risk their credibility and effectiveness. A governance-heavy IAM solution without strong front-door controls is like a house with reinforced walls and a broken lock on the front door. It doesn’t matter how secure the rest of the house is—attackers will always find the easiest way in.

Additionally, organizations evaluating IAM platforms are becoming more discerning. They expect comprehensive solutions that integrate governance, lifecycle management, and robust front-door capabilities. Failing to deliver on this expectation could result in lost opportunities in an increasingly competitive market.

Solving the Dilemma

To address the Front Door Dilemma, IAM platform providers need to prioritize strong, seamless authentication as a core feature of their offerings. This means not only integrating advanced authentication technologies but also ensuring they are easy to use and manage. The goal should be to provide a unified platform where the front door and all downstream functions work in harmony.

In the end, the strength of an IAM platform isn’t just measured by what it can do once a user is inside—it’s determined by how well it secures and streamlines the path to entry. The future belongs to those who address the Front Door Dilemma head-on.