Page 193 - Cyber Defense eMagazine March 2024

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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