Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly leveraging automation, APIs, and AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency. However, this technological advancement introduces a hidden risk: nonhuman identities.
A recent article from BizTech Magazine underscores the cybersecurity threats posed by unmonitored nonhuman identities—digital accounts used by applications, services, tokens, and automated agents.
What Are Nonhuman Identities?
Nonhuman identities are digital accounts that operate without direct human intervention but often possess the same access privileges as human users. Examples include:
- Service accounts connecting applications to databases
- API keys facilitating software communication
- AI agents performing tasks autonomously
- Scheduled jobs or background processes
Despite their crucial roles, these accounts can become vulnerabilities if not properly managed.
Why SMBs Should Care
According to Delinea's report, there are approximately 46 nonhuman identities for every human identity in modern IT environments. This means a business with 200 employees might have as many as 9,200 nonhuman identities. These accounts often have elevated access privileges and are frequently overlooked in security strategies, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Practical Steps to Secure Nonhuman Identities
Implementing proactive IT support practices can help mitigate risks associated with nonhuman identities. As discussed in our previous blog post, "Proactive IT Support: Beyond the Buzzword," adopting a proactive approach to IT management involves:
- Regularly assessing and aligning IT infrastructure with industry standards to ensure security and efficiency.
- Providing strategic guidance through roles like Technology Alignment Engineers and Virtual Chief Information Officers (vCIOs) to align technology with business objectives.
- Monitoring network health and implementing improvements to prevent disruptions.
By integrating these practices, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of exploitation through nonhuman identities.
Read more here: Proactive IT Support: Beyond the Buzzword
Making It Part of Everyday IT
SMBs don't need massive security teams to tackle the challenge of managing nonhuman identities. Awareness, basic monitoring, and regular reviews go a long way. Nonhuman identities are just like human accounts—if left unattended, they can create real vulnerabilities.
Taking small, consistent steps to manage these accounts ensures that your systems remain secure and your business can continue to leverage automation safely.
If you're interested in learning more about proactive IT support and how it can benefit your business, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of IT management and enhance your organization's cybersecurity.
