SailPoint Technologies' 2024-2025 "Horizons of Identity Security" report, reveals that organisations with advanced identity security practices experience significantly greater benefits, including reduced cyber risks and improved workforce productivity. The report emphasises that while many organisations are still in the early stages of their identity security journey, those that mature their practices can achieve a "bending of the curve," yielding higher returns on investments.
Key findings from the report indicate that 83% of organisations reported a decrease in identity-related security issues due to their security investments in 2023. However, approximately 41% of surveyed organisations remain at the beginning of their identity security journey, while only 10% have reached more advanced stages. This disparity highlights a substantial opportunity for organisations to harness the full potential of identity security.
Chern-Yue Boey, senior vice president for APJ at SailPoint, noted, “APJ organisations are concerned about changes in access models due to M&A and divestitures, and talent shortages around AI/ML. With strategic investment in identity security, APJ businesses can achieve enhanced capability coverage and data analytics, automation, lower cyber insurance premiums, and improved compliance.”
The report outlines several critical areas where mature identity security programs have made progress:
- Machine Identities: Organisations with mature identity practices have 87% more coverage of machine identities compared to only 28% for those at earlier stages. Machine identities, which are expected to grow by 30% in the next few years, represent a significant and rapidly expanding portion of total identities.
- Third-Party Identities: Mature organisations exhibit up to 50% higher coverage of third-party identities, reflecting the growing importance of managing access for external partners.
- Data Intelligence: Those with advanced identity security practices are twice as likely to leverage identity data for actionable intelligence, enabling better access decisions and reducing security risks.
- AI Adoption: Organisations at the forefront of identity security have nearly double the adoption rate of AI-powered solutions, enhancing scalability and productivity.
- Cyber Insurance Impact: A significant 92% of respondents indicated that insurers evaluate cyber capabilities when setting premiums, with many viewing identity security as crucial in this assessment.
As organisations face increasing complexity in identity management, the report underscores the importance of integrated identity programs that utilise AI-driven analytics and machine identity management. These advancements help shape the future of identity security, enabling organisations to protect their assets and enhance operational efficiency.