Unrestricted data accessibility and workflow automation have become fundamental components of the majority of digital infrastructures. By leveraging the appropriate applications and protocols, businesses no longer face limitations due to insufficient manpower or technical proficiency — these gaps are now being filled by machines.
The utilization of non-human identities (NHIs) to drive essential business applications — especially in cloud computing environments or for facilitating service-to-service connections — has enabled the seamless enhancement of operational efficiency. Regrettably, NHIs have not only opened doors to opportunities but also to challenges.
The increasing reliance on NHIs to drive business expansion strategies has resulted in a rise in security threats in recent years, with malicious actors targeting machine identities to perpetrate cyberattacks. Understanding the inherent risks associated with employing NHIs and adopting better security measures is crucial to prevent falling victim to such attacks.
What constitutes a non-human identity (NHI)?
Non-human identities (NHIs) refer to the credentials allocated to various digital entities within a network. They serve to identify different applications or services, including API connections, OAuth tokens, cloud-based devices, and third-party integrations.
When enabling specific automated functionalities across your infrastructure, digital entities must be granted specific access permissions, similar to human operators.
Typically, an NHI requires elevated levels of privileged access compared to most employees since they are often linked to databases, service accounts, and other machines. However, while this elevated access contributes to the functionality of NHIs, it also renders them prime targets for cybercriminals.
How are NHIs commonly deployed?
NHIs are now widespread in businesses of all sizes and are authorized to perform a variety of tasks. Some common use cases for NHIs include:
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Automated backup services: Companies frequently run automated background processes responsible for backing up critical data. NHIs facilitate uninterrupted transfer of information between interconnected networks and digital storage solutions.
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Website plugins: Many website plugins rely on API keys to access a content management system (CMS) automatically, thereby synchronizing information from two hosted sources. This capability enables plugins to modify specific coding areas and manage updates on behalf of the business.
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Servers SSL/TLS certificates: NHIs are integral for verifying source connections to a web server. They are utilized to encrypt secure data exchanged between servers and browsers when accessing information on various websites.
Why are NHIs prime targets for cybercriminals?
NHIs are increasingly attracting attention from cybercriminals due to their privileged system access and the tendency of businesses to overlook the access levels granted to them. This lack of oversight and stringent management of NHIs leads to several security vulnerabilities.
Cybercriminals exploit NHIs in various ways for their attacks, including:
- Credential theft: Due to limited monitoring of NHIs during operation, criminals can freely attempt brute force attacks on them. Since NHI security measures cannot be likened to those used for human operators, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), stealing credentials is relatively easier.
- Privilege escalation: Acquiring credentials for a compromised NHI can grant access to various systems. Even if some NHIs lack permission levels, exploiting vulnerable systems with outdated software or known vulnerabilities becomes feasible for cybercriminals.
- Lateral network movement: Identifying and compromising vulnerable NHIs typically marks the start of attacks. The interconnectivity of API tokens and database servers often facilitates lateral movement across systems or devices within the same network segment. This allows cybercriminals to create backdoors, deploy malicious malware, and bypass security measures.
Efficient methods to mitigate NHI attack risks
Recognizing the potential vulnerabilities that non-human identities introduce, especially as businesses scale their infrastructure, is crucial. Here are some strategies to help mitigate NHI attack risks:
- Perform a comprehensive audit of all established NHIs: To minimize NHI-centric cyberattacks, it is vital to eradicate existing blind spots. All deployed NHIs should be documented and made transparent to relevant stakeholders.
- Enforce the principle of least privilege: When setting up NHIs, restrict access to the minimum level required to fulfill specific business functions. This approach ensures that even if an NHI is compromised, it will have minimal control over critical systems.
- Regularly update NHI credentials: NHI credentials have set durations and need periodic renewal or revocation. Implementing auto-renewals could pose challenges without active monitoring. Consistently review and update NHI credentials to bolster security, akin to regular password changes for users.
- Monitor NHI behavior for anomalies: Limited visibility is a key factor in compromised NHIs. Deploy network monitoring systems capable of detecting suspicious activities and access patterns related to NHIs to identify and address potential security issues.
- Enforce stringent authorization protocols: When developing new systems or shifting workloads to cloud platforms, it is essential for all employees to understand the implications of authorizing NHIs. Establishing strict governance policies on authorizing, monitoring, and revoking NHIs as needed is crucial.
Safeguard your non-human identities
As organizations seek to automate operations and streamline processes, it is imperative to acknowledge the potential risks associated with unmonitored NHIs.
Prioritizing privilege allocations and maintaining continuous oversight of all NHI authorizations are pivotal steps in reducing digital attack surfaces and fortifying the company’s infrastructure.