In today’s digital landscape, where cloud services and interconnected apps are prevalent, a new perimeter has emerged: non-human access credentials. These access credentials, including API keys, tokens, service accounts, and secrets, play a crucial role in connecting apps and resources to various cloud services. However, they also pose significant security risks if not properly secured. In this article, we will explore the importance of securing non-human access credentials and the potential consequences of neglecting their protection.
Non-Human Access Credentials: The New Perimeter
API keys, tokens, service accounts, and secrets have become the new perimeter in modern cybersecurity. Traditionally, the focus has been on securing user identities and their access to systems. However, with the rise of cloud services and integrations, non-human access credentials have taken center stage. They enable apps and resources to connect seamlessly with other cloud services, but they also introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors.
Vulnerabilities in Non-Human Access Credentials
One of the primary concerns surrounding non-human access credentials is the absence of proper security measures. Many organizations fail to implement robust authentication, authorization, and monitoring processes for these credentials. This lack of security measures leaves them susceptible to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Furthermore, it has been observed that a significant portion of active access tokens connecting Salesforce and third-party apps is unused. These unused tokens can be an easy target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Similarly, in the popular collaboration platform Slack, a staggering 77% of connected apps are non-marketplace apps, which may have unknown security vulnerabilities.
Another alarming finding is that 74% of Personal Access Tokens in GitHub environments have no expiration date. This lack of expiration poses a significant risk, as stolen or exposed tokens can be utilized indefinitely, providing unauthorized access to critical resources.
Real-world consequences
The consequences of neglecting the security of non-human access credentials have become evident in recent years. Several prominent brands have fallen victim to non-human access exploits, resulting in devastating consequences for both the organizations and their customers. Thousands of customers have had their sensitive data compromised due to attackers taking advantage of exposed or stolen access credentials to infiltrate organizations’ most critical systems.
GenAI Tools and Services Amplifying the Issue
The widespread adoption of Generation Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools and services exacerbates the issue of non-human access. While these tools bring immense convenience and efficiency, they also introduce additional security challenges. As more GenAI apps connect to Google Workspace environments, it has been found that 32% of these apps have very broad access permissions. This broad access can significantly increase the potential damage if these credentials fall into the wrong hands.
The solution: Ensuring security for non-human access credentials
To address the alarming risks associated with non-human access credentials, organizations must prioritize implementing robust security policies. Such policies should encompass best practices for authentication, authorization, rotation of access credentials, and continuous monitoring of their usage. It is essential to treat non-human access credentials with the same level of scrutiny and protection as user identities.
Moreover, relying solely on manual processes to enforce security policies is prone to human error and can be time-consuming. Therefore, organizations must invest in automatic tools that can enforce security policies consistently and ensure the integrity of non-human access credentials.
Securing non-human access credentials is no longer an option but a critical imperative for organizations across all industries. The new perimeter defines the security landscape in the digital world, and neglecting its protection can have severe consequences. By implementing comprehensive security policies and leveraging automated tools to enforce them, organizations can safeguard their most sensitive data and mitigate the risk of non-human access exploits. Let us not underestimate the importance of securing non-human access credentials and work towards a more robust and resilient cybersecurity posture.