Presented by Cisco
Enterprise security is facing a significant challenge with identity compromise being the primary method of attack. Instead of targeting zero-day exploits, attackers are increasingly using social engineering tactics to breach security.
Matt Caulfied, VP of product, identity at Cisco, explains, “You trick someone into giving you access to their account, and use it to get all the access that they have, as far as you can go.”
With advancements in AI, attackers can now efficiently spearphish targets by generating convincing emails and texts at scale. Despite this, there is a disconnect between awareness and implementation in the enterprise, as evidenced by the financial losses suffered from identity-related breaches.
Identity security presents a unique challenge that combines social, psychological, and technical aspects. While preventing identity breaches is possible, the mechanisms to do so have been costly and difficult to scale operationally.
Strong identity and access management (IAM) are now essential for enterprise security, especially with the rise of AI agents as a new class of users within organizations.
Redefining Zero Trust
Trust can no longer be based solely on network access or corporate devices. Strong cryptographic identity authentication is crucial to establishing trust in a zero-trust system. Identity must be the foundation of enterprise security to keep systems safe and prevent unauthorized access.
Traditional second-factor and multi-factor authentication methods are no longer sufficient, as they can be compromised. Phishing-resistant authentication is becoming the new standard for secure identity management.
Security as a Strategic Enabler
Organizations are increasing their focus and budgets on identity security. However, security should not be treated as an add-on but as a strategic enabler for businesses. Integrated tools that offer interoperability in multi-cloud environments can simplify operations, reduce costs, and enhance security.
Identity management and security are not just about protection but also about enabling productivity and efficiency. Phishing-resistant authentication is key to adopting an identity-first approach to security.
Discover how Duo and Cisco Identity Intelligence are revolutionizing identity security for global teams. Download Cisco Duo’s report, The 2025 State of Identity Security: Challenges and Strategies from IT and Security Leaders.
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