Risk Management and Identity Protection .

Risk management is part of everyday life; it’s something we all practice, often without even realizing it. For example:
Will I catch the train if I take the bus from the nearest stop instead of walking to the station in the drizzle for a quicker route?
Will I get sick if I just scrape off the spoiled part of the cheese and eat the rest?

In the first scenario, the risk could be arriving late to a job interview. In the second, you might end up losing sleep and struggling through the next workday.

Risk management is often seen as a control mechanism applied mainly to core business functions, not to support services. However, support functions have become key enablers and protectors of business operations, and their importance should not be underestimated.

Today, many risks are closely tied to information security and identity protection. For example, untested software and outdated network configurations are clear risks. But what about identity management controls and requirements? Do we recognize the risks posed by insufficient coverage in policies, processes, and requirements? Do we appreciate the importance of a strong identity management framework in meeting regulatory demands? Are we protecting not only critical business information but also the users themselves?

Identity management must meet both external regulatory requirements and internal business needs. Its purpose is to support and enable core operations, safeguard identities and system access, and ensure compliance within regulatory frameworks.

A critical review of current methods and implementations can reveal hidden risks with significant consequences. For instance, breaches involving employees’ personal or employment-related data primarily affect the individuals involved, but they can also result in reputational damage and legal liabilities for the company. Is it worth the risk to work with a partner who cannot properly protect the identities in their service? Is your company’s overall risk appetite and information security posture aligned?

By analyzing risks, they can be prioritized appropriately. Adequate controls can then be designed to either eliminate the risk or reduce it to a manageable and acceptable level.

When assessing the risks associated with identity management, it's essential to evaluate the sufficiency of your current framework. Have your identity management processes and requirements been developed to a level that has real impact? Can they effectively guide technical implementation and serve as a basis for demonstrating compliance?

Identifying and acknowledging risks and their potential consequences is a strong foundation for justifying investments. After all, no one wants to build systems, processes, or programs just for their own sake. The goal is to protect what truly matters: both the company’s assets and its users.

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