Page 193 - Cyber Defense eMagazine March 2024
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Under this model, an assortment of factors comes under scrutiny. These include user and device behavior
            patterns, geographical location, the health status of the device, and even the timing of the access request.
            Through this rigorous evaluation, the system capably adapts to the ever-changing threat landscapes and
            provides access only when the circumstances meet security requirements.


            The true value of conditional access lies in its data-driven, real-time security assessments. It doesn't just
            ask 'who' is attempting to access the system but delves deeper into the 'why', 'how', 'when', and 'where'.
            This nuanced, context-aware approach offers a potent line of defense against cyber threats, making it
            indispensable in our modern digital landscape.

            Conditional access ushers in a new era of cyber vigilance, embodying a more intuitive, adaptive approach
            that outpaces the linear defenses of yesteryears.



            How to Get Started

            Embracing  a  passwordless  environment  may  seem  complex  but  if  the  implementation  process  is
            meticulously  broken  down  into  strategic  steps,  the  transition  can  be  incredibly  streamlined  and
            productive.

            The initial step revolves around selecting the right kind of technology. With the help of digital certificates,
            organizations can encrypt communications, endorse emails and files, ensure integrity and proof of origin,
            and perhaps most critically, provide robust authentication services. Unlike passwords, digital certificates
            provide  cryptographic  proof  of  the  user's  identity  which  substantially  diminishes  the  probability  of
            successful impersonation or man-in-the-middle attacks.

            The  subsequent  step  involves  incorporating  an  access  control  system  that  is  not  only  proficient  in
            delivering centralized Certificate Authority (CA) services but also seamlessly fits into the existing network
            infrastructure. A modern, flexible network access control (NAC) platform will deliver just that – and can
            use machine learning to identify behavioral patterns, layer on multi-factor authentication, and detect any
            anomalies in real-time.
            But  implementing  digital  certificates  without  an  overarching  cyber  security  strategy  might  still  leave
            loopholes.  That's  why  conditional  access  should  be  part  of  the  overall  approach.  It  aids  in  building
            granular  control  by  imposing  'conditions'  based  on  user  identity,  location,  device  health,  and  so  on.
            Incorporating conditional access with certificate-based authentication makes sure only verified identities
            can access sensitive information.

            Next, testing the entire setup is crucial. CISOs should look to stress-test the implementation in real-world
            scenarios, mitigating vulnerabilities and addressing unforeseen risks. Here, aspects like user experience
            should not be overlooked, ensuring that robust security measures do not hinder employee productivity.


            Lastly, while staff training cannot be emphasized enough, people will always continue to make mistakes.
            It’s  what  makes  us  human.  Thus,  implementing  tools  that  can  automatically  enforce  passwordless
            authentication, access control, and risk mitigation policies is necessary.






            Cyber Defense eMagazine – March 2024 Edition                                                                                                                                                                                                          193
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