Why access decisions are becoming the weakest link in identity security
Summary
The article argues that while authentication methods like MFA have improved, authorization remains the weakest link in identity security. Many breaches occur through legitimate, authenticated access that is improperly authorized, often due to a lack of visibility into the full scope of applications and systems an organization manages. Attackers exploit this gap by targeting unmanaged or poorly governed access.
IFF Assessment
This is bad news for defenders because it highlights a persistent and complex vulnerability in how access is managed, which attackers can exploit through social engineering and credential abuse.
Defender Context
Defenders should focus on strengthening authorization controls and gaining comprehensive visibility into all applications and systems, including those not managed by traditional identity governance tools. This requires a shift from solely focusing on authentication to a more holistic approach to access management and risk assessment.