In today’s digital environment, identity is often the weakest link in an organization’s security chain. Password reuse, poor access control, and outdated authentication methods expose businesses to a significant risk.
According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024, compromised credentials were the most common initial attack vector, accounting for 16% of breaches globally. In the MENA region, the average cost of a data breach reached $6.53 million in 2023 — 69% higher than the global average.
These numbers — combined with the growing use of AI in attack tactics — point to one thing: companies need a structured, well-thought-out approach to identity security.
Below, we outlined five essential but minimal steps every organization should take to protect identities and reduce exposure.
1. Enable Single Sign-On (SSO) for Centralized Access Management
What is SSO?
Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications or services without re-entering credentials.
Why it matters:
Users often reuse or forget passwords, increasing risk and creating IT overhead. SSO reduces password fatigue and likelihood of weak or duplicated credentials.
How it works:
SSO connects multiple systems to a centralized identity provider. Once authenticated, users receive a session token that grants access to other linked services.
How it improves identity security:
By minimizing the number of log-ins required, SSO decreases attack surface and centralizes authentication monitoring, making it easier to detect suspicious activity and enforce policy.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to Strengthen Verification
What is MFA:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of verification, such as a biometric scan, OTP, or app notification, in addition to the password.
Why it matters:
Passwords alone are no longer enough. Phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks make single-factor authentication too risky.
How it works:
MFA verifies user identity through at least two of the following: something they know (password), something they have (device), or something they are (biometrics).
How it improves identity security:
Even if credentials are compromised, unauthorized users can’t pass the second verification step greatly reducing the likelihood of a successful breach.
3. Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to Limit Access Risks
What is least privilege:
The principle of least privilege ensures users only have access to the data and systems necessary to perform their specific tasks.
Why it matters:
Over-permissioned accounts are a common risk factor. If an attacker gains access, excessive privileges enable greater damage.
How it works:
Access is granted based on job function, not convenience. Permissions are limited and reviewed regularly to reflect actual responsibilities.
How it improves identity security:
Reduces lateral movement in case of a breach, lowers internal threat exposure, and makes user access easier to audit and control.
4. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for Consistency and Scalability
What is RBAC:
RBAC assigns system access rights based on a user’s role within the organization.
Why it matters:
Manually assigning permissions to users is error-prone and unscalable. RBAC simplifies administration and improves consistency.
How it works:
Each role is predefined with the necessary access rights. When users are onboarded or their role changes, they automatically receive or lose access tied to that role. You also assign individual users to these roles, defining members and controlling access to the product’s administrative functions.
How it improves identity security:
RBAC standardizes access across similar job functions reducing the risk of human error and privilege creep while aligning access with compliance requirements.
5. Secure Remote Access with Strong Authentication
What it is:
Securing access to corporate systems for remote employees using strong multi-factor authentication.
Why it matters:
Remote work introduces access from unsecured networks and devices. Without strong identity controls, it’s an easy entry point for attackers.
How it works:
When employees connect via VPN or access cloud services, they’re prompted for MFA. Even when offline, cached credentials on domain-connected laptops support secure login with additional authentication.
How it improves identity security:
Reduces the risks tied to remote connections and ensures authentication even when a direct link to the domain controller isn’t available.
Why Axidian Access Simplifies Identity Security and Access Control
Putting these security steps into practice can be complex especially when access is managed manually or across disconnected systems.
Axidian Access simplifies and automates it through a single, unified platform. It gives organizations tools to manage access policies, strengthen authentication, and secure remote users without adding operational complexity.
With Axidian Access, you can:
- Set up SSO for secure and seamless access to corporate applications
- Apply MFA across local and remote login scenarios
- Implement the principle of least privilege with strict policy control
- Protect remote access, even when employees are offline
- Use built-in roles like Administrator, Operator, and Supervisor to manage the platform itself — with clear access control for those responsible for administration
For CISOs and IT leaders, this means fewer manual processes, better visibility into who has access to what, and faster responses to potential risks.
Axidian Access brings identity security policies to life — without overwhelming your team or disrupting your workflows.
Conclusion: Start with the Fundamentals
Improving identity security and access control in particular doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Starting with five fundamental steps — SSO, MFA, least privilege, RBAC, and secure remote access — can significantly reduce your exposure to threats.
When supported by a solution like Axidian Access, these best practices become easier to implement, manage, and scale helping your organization build a more resilient identity security foundation.
