Identity and access management
Identity is often considered the perimeter in infosec, especially as traditional enterprise perimeters dissolve. Identity and access management is critical to maintain data security. From passwords to multifactor authentication, SSO to biometrics, get the latest advice on IAM here.
Top Stories
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Opinion
09 May 2025
RSAC 2025 Conference: Identity security highlights
RSAC 2025 Conference was abuzz with talk about agentic AI and tool convergence. Analyst Todd Thiemann shares how these trends affect identity security. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2025
RSAC Conference 2025 video reports
We chatted on camera with attendees and presenters at RSAC 2025. Check out this video collection to get highlights from one of the world's major cybersecurity conferences. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2022
e-ticket (electronic ticket)
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) is a paperless electronic document used for ticketing purposes, such as airfare or concert admission. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2022
What are the differences between su and sudo commands?
Linux administrators have choices when deciding how to delegate privileges. Learn about the options they can take while ensuring their operations remain secure. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2022
How to implement least privilege access in the cloud
More organizations are moving their resources to the cloud but are not paying attention to how cloud access privileges are allocated. Learn how to limit access in the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2022
Google's new YARA rules fight malicious Cobalt Strike use
Google's YARA rules detect cracked versions of Cobalt Strike's older releases so that legitimate instances of the red teaming tool, which use the latest version, aren't targeted. Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2022
CISA: Iranian APT actors compromised federal network
CISA said Iranian nation-state actors exploited Log4Shell flaws on an unpatched VMware Horizon server before deploying a cryptominer and attempting to gain persistent access. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2022
Twitter users experience apparent SMS 2FA disruption
The 2FA notification disruption occurred after CEO Elon Musk announced plans to shutter a majority of Twitter's microservices, though reasons for the outage are unconfirmed. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Nov 2022
time-based one-time password
A time-based one-time password (TOTP) is a temporary passcode generated by an algorithm that uses the current time of day as one of its authentication factors. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Nov 2022
5 ways to overcome multifactor authentication vulnerabilities
Improve the resiliency of multifactor authentication by giving users more information, making default settings more secure, hiding secrets and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2022
Why it's time to expire mandatory password expiration policies
Password expiration policies that force users to regularly reset passwords are counterproductive. It's time to align those policies with proven approaches to password security. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2022
6 ways to prevent privilege escalation attacks
Privileges dictate the access a user or device gets on a network. Hackers who access these privileges can create tremendous damage. But there are ways to keep your networks safe. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2022
command-and-control server (C&C server)
A command-and-control server (C&C server) is a computer that issues directives to digital devices that have been infected with rootkits or other types of malware, such as ransomware. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Oct 2022
What is the zero-trust security model?
The zero-trust security model is a cybersecurity approach that denies access to an enterprise's digital resources by default and grants authenticated users and devices tailored, siloed access to only the applications, data, services and systems they need to do their jobs. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Oct 2022
RAT (remote access Trojan)
A RAT (remote access Trojan) is malware an attacker uses to gain full administrative privileges and remote control of a target computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2022
full-disk encryption (FDE)
Full-disk encryption (FDE) is a security method for protecting sensitive data at the hardware level by encrypting all data on a disk drive. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2022
default password
A default password is a standard preconfigured password for a device or software. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Oct 2022
How Jamf zero trust can improve Apple device security
Jamf is supporting zero trust with new features across its suite of Mac management software. The proliferation of remote work has made this security model more important. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2022
An overview of the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model
A zero-trust framework blocks all attempts to access internal infrastructure without authentication. The CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model is a roadmap to get there. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2022
Perimeter security vs. zero trust: It's time to make the move
Perimeter security requires a border to protect enterprise data. With more and more users working outside that border, zero trust promises a better security option for the future. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Sep 2022
software-defined perimeter (SDP)
A software-defined perimeter, or SDP, is a security technique that controls access to resources based on identity and forms a virtual boundary around networked resources. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Sep 2022
Multifactor authentication isn't perfect, passwordless is better
Passwords are frequently the root cause of breaches, and multifactor authentication only provides a stopgap for account protection. It's time to adopt a passwordless strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2022
Why zero trust requires microsegmentation
Microsegmentation is a key security technique that enables organizations to achieve a zero-trust model and helps ensure the security of workloads regardless of where they are located. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2022
Cybercriminals launching more MFA bypass attacks
New research from Okta shows that cybercrime groups have stepped up their attacks on multifactor authentication systems in an effort to thwart account security measures. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2022
Rockstar Games confirms hack after 'Grand Theft Auto' leak
A threat actor this weekend published in-development footage from a forthcoming 'Grand Theft Auto' video game and claimed to have breached its publisher, Rockstar Games. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2022
Uber responds to possible breach following hacker taunts
Security researchers spotted suspicious activity on Uber's HackerOne page when the alleged hacker posted messages claiming they had compromised the ride-share company's network. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Consumer data needs better protection by government
Though legislation is before Congress that would address data privacy, it may not set clear enough guidelines or give individuals enough control. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Data privacy concerns grow as legislation lags
While healthcare and financial data are protected by federal legislation, individuals have little control over how consumer data is collected and used. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
Secureworks reveals Azure Active Directory flaws
Secureworks published details of what it claims are significant security flaws in Azure's authentication system, but Microsoft has dismissed them as non-issues. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2022
Researcher unveils smart lock hack for fingerprint theft
An academic researcher demonstrated how IoT smart locks could become tools for attackers to covertly steal fingerprints and potentially access more sensitive personal data. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
Cybersecurity budget breakdown and best practices
Once budget is secured, CISOs must figure out where it should be allocated -- as well as how to justify the costs. Get the lowdown on a cybersecurity budget breakdown here. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Aug 2022
Learn to monitor group memberships with PowerShell
Use PowerShell automation to build reports in local group memberships on a server and security groups in Active Directory to keep tabs on any irregular behavior. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2022
What is identity sprawl and how can it be managed?
With identity-based attacks on the rise, organizations need to prioritize identity management. Learn about identity sprawl, why it's a risk and how it can be managed. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Aug 2022
Why 2023 is the year of passwordless authentication
Passwords may soon be relegated to the past thanks to IAM vendors' efforts to create passwordless login options. Here's why 2023 should be the year of passwordless authentication. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2022
What is data security? The ultimate guide
Dig into the essentials of data security, from must-have tools, technologies and processes to best practices for keeping data safe. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2022
Ermetic addresses IAM weaknesses in multi-cloud environments
Researchers at the cloud security vendor discussed the importance of understanding the different identity and access management features among the major cloud providers. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2022
Amazon CSO Steve Schmidt preaches fungible resources, MFA
In a Q&A with SearchSecurity, Amazon CSO Steve Schmidt discusses his time as head of AWS security and shifts the cloud provider made to improve its posture, as well as customers'. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2022
Thoma Bravo to acquire Ping Identity for $2.8B
Thoma Bravo's bid is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022. Ping Identity's purchase price represents a 63% premium over the vendor's closing price Tuesday. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jul 2022
random numbers
As the term suggests, a random number is a number chosen by chance -- i.e., randomly, from a set of numbers. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2022
SSH2 vs. SSH1 and why SSH versions still matter
The Secure Shell protocol, SSH, was redesigned and released as SSH2 in 2006. While SSH1 lingers for legacy uses, find out how the protocols differ and why it's important. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jul 2022
data breach
A data breach is a cyber attack in which sensitive, confidential or otherwise protected data has been accessed or disclosed in an unauthorized fashion. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2022
AWS issues MFA call to action at re:Inforce 2022
To reduce growing attack surfaces in the cloud, AWS executives emphasized the importance of implementing MFA to protect accounts and blocking public access to cloud resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jul 2022
Top 10 enterprise data security best practices
To protect your organization's data and prevent its misuse, incorporate these 10 data security best practices into your enterprise data security strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2022
Top 7 types of data security technology
These seven types of data security technologies -- from encryption to masking -- will better protect customer and enterprise data from inappropriate and unauthorized access and use. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2022
Access management issues may create security holes
Employees who aren't credentialed to access corporate systems to do their jobs find ways around the red tape that could lead to security breaches. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2022
X.509 certificate
An X.509 certificate is a digital certificate that uses the widely accepted international X.509 public key infrastructure (PKI) standard to verify that a public key belongs to the user, computer or service identity contained within the certificate. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2022
Microsoft takes months to fix critical Azure Synapse bug
Orca Security discovered that inadequate tenant separation in Microsoft's Azure Synapse service could allow a threat actor to steal credentials from thousands of customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2022
3 types of PKI certificates and their use cases
Public key infrastructure helps authenticate senders via cryptography and digital certificates. Learn about three types of PKI certificates and their use cases. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jun 2022
Are 14-character minimum-length passwords secure enough?
When it comes to minimum password length, 14-character passwords are generally considered secure, but they may not be enough to keep your enterprise safe. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2022
SANS lists bad backups, cloud abuse as top cyberthreats
A panel of experts from the SANS Institute took the stage at RSA Conference 2022 to weigh in on some of the biggest threats and risks facing security teams. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
Microsoft details zero-trust transition, challenges
Over the past three years, Microsoft has moved to a zero-trust framework. Security engineers outlined the transition and its challenges during a session at RSA Conference 2022. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Jun 2022
Improve Azure storage security with access control tutorial
These step-by-step guidelines detail how to grant limited access in Microsoft Azure storage. This best practice helps keep storage secure from internal and external threats. Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2022
MFA technology is rapidly evolving -- are mandates next?
The evolving landscapes of both the modern workplace and cyberthreats have paved the way for some organizations to require multifactor authentication protection. Will others join? Continue Reading
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Feature
20 May 2022
Apple, Microsoft, Google expand FIDO2 passwordless support
Achieving true passwordless experiences begins with companies working together to adopt standards that enable customers to use multiple devices seamlessly, regardless of OS. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2022
Small businesses under fire from password stealers
Kaspersky researchers tracked notable increases in password-stealing Trojans, RDP attacks and other cyberthreats against small businesses in various countries. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 May 2022
5 steps to ensure a successful access management strategy
Access management is top of mind for organizations, especially in the hybrid workspace. Follow these five steps to create an access management strategy that benefits all users. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2022
Lapsus$ targeting SharePoint, VPNs and virtual machines
From social engineering attacks to admin tools, a recent NCC Group report examined the tactics used by Lapsus$ to breach companies like Microsoft, Nvidia and Samsung. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2022
man-in-the-middle attack (MitM)
A man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack is a type of cyber attack in which the attacker secretly intercepts and relays messages between two parties who believe they are communicating directly with each other. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2022
Why companies should focus on preventing privilege escalation
If attackers can elevate privileges once inside a system, their access can be unlimited. Discover common privilege escalation techniques and how to mitigate them. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Apr 2022
WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure (WAPI)
WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure (WAPI) is a wireless local area network security standard officially supported by the Chinese government. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2022
Stolen OAuth tokens lead to 'dozens' of breached GitHub repos
Stolen OAuth tokens issued to Heroku and Travis CI were used to download data from the private repositories of 'dozens of organizations,' including GitHub subsidiary npm. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2022
built-in administrator account
In the Windows operating system, the built-in administrator account -- the first account created when the OS was installed -- has the highest permissions of any profile on the computer system. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2022
VMware Workspace One flaw actively exploited in the wild
Multiple threat intelligence providers have detected threat activity related to the VMware Workspace One flaw, including cryptocurrency mining activity. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Apr 2022
Get started with Azure AD entitlement management automation
Identity governance tasks in Azure Active Directory can be overwhelming, but understanding how to use Microsoft Graph and PowerShell to work with these settings will help. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2022
5 key elements of data tenancy
Data tenancy is a key piece of any data protection scheme and can be crafted around five building blocks to provide safe, secure data access to users. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Apr 2022
Open System Authentication (OSA)
Open System Authentication (OSA) is a process by which a computer could gain access to a wireless network that uses the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2022
How secure are one-time passwords from attacks?
Adding an additional authentication layer makes it harder for attackers to get into accounts, but not all authentication factors are equal -- especially when it comes to OTPs. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Apr 2022
AAA server (authentication, authorization and accounting)
An AAA server is a server program that handles user requests for access to computer resources and, for an enterprise, provides authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) services. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2022
How to implement OpenID Connect for single-page applications
The OpenID Connect authentication protocol can be used to secure a variety of applications. This excerpt teaches developers how it works with single-page applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2022
How to use OpenID Connect for authentication
OpenID Connect has become a trusted protocol to connect with identity providers. Explore how to use it for IAM, common threats to be aware of and how to connect to multiple IdPs. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Apr 2022
Luhn algorithm (modulus 10)
The Luhn algorithm, also called modulus 10 or modulus 10 algorithm, is a simple mathematical formula used to validate a user's identification numbers. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2022
authentication server
An authentication server is an application that facilitates the authentication of an entity that attempts to access a network. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2022
Lapsus$ hacking group hit authentication vendor Okta
Authentication vendor Okta is the latest tech giant to be named as a victim of the prolific Lapsus$ crew, through key details about the attack remain in dispute. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Mar 2022
mutual authentication
Mutual authentication, also called two-way authentication, is a process or technology in which both entities in a communications link authenticate each other. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2022
Researchers uncover vulnerabilities in APC Smart-UPS devices
Researchers with Armis found a trio of vulnerabilities in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices from APC that could be remotely exploited by threat actors. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2022
Use digital identity proofing to verify account creation
Validating users during account creation with identity proofing helps prevent data breaches but isn't without challenges. Discover how it works and concerns to address. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Mar 2022
How to stop malicious or accidental privileged insider attacks
How many permissions or privileges a user has will affect how big of an insider threat they are. Discover the issues surrounding privileged users and how to curtail these threats. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
01 Mar 2022
Learn to adjust the AdminCount attribute in protected accounts
It's critical to know how to change the settings for protected accounts and groups in Active Directory to avoid serious problems. PowerShell can make quick edits to keep order. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Feb 2022
Shared Key Authentication (SKA)
Shared Key Authentication (SKA) is a process by which a computer can gain access to a wireless network that uses the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Feb 2022
passphrase
A passphrase is a sentencelike string of words used for authentication that is longer than a traditional password, easy to remember and difficult to crack. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2022
How to use PKI to secure remote network access
Public key infrastructure is a more secure option than password-based or multifactor authentication. Learn how those benefits can extend to remote employees and access. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Feb 2022
Build your knowledge of Azure AD conditional access policies
The rapid pace of change in the modern workplace requires new methods to control who has access to what. This Azure Active Directory feature can help IT meet those security goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Feb 2022
Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP)
Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP) is an encryption protocol based on the U.S. federal government's Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm and uses the Counter Mode with CBC-MAC (CCM) mode of operation. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2022
Google: 2-step verification led to 50% fewer account hacks
Google auto-enrolled more than 150 million users into two-step verification last October and mandated two-step verification for 2 million-plus YouTube accounts. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
09 Feb 2022
How automated certificate management helps retain IT talent
Organizations shouldn't waste their IT pros' time on unnecessary tasks -- especially during a skills shortage. Learn about the benefits of automated digital certificate management. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2022
Distrust, feuds building among ransomware groups
In an industry that operates in anonymity, trust is everything -- but recent accusations of ransomware actors working with or being law enforcement is threatening that work model. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2022
Active Directory tree
An Active Directory (AD) tree is a collection of domains within a Microsoft Active Directory network. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2022
access control list (ACL)
An access control list (ACL) is a list of rules that specifies which users or systems are granted or denied access to a particular object or system resource. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2022
Include defensive security in your cybersecurity strategy
Is your company's cybersecurity strategy comprehensive enough to protect against an expanding threat landscape? Learn how developing defensive security strategies can help. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2022
one-time pad
In cryptography, a one-time pad is a system in which a randomly generated private key is used only once to encrypt a message that is then decrypted by the receiver using a matching one-time pad and key. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jan 2022
Integrating zero-trust practices into private 5G networks
One of the first steps in deploying a technology is protecting it from potential security threats. Learn how to secure a private 5G network with zero-trust security practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2022
How to start implementing passwordless authentication today
Everyone is tired of passwords, but a truly passwordless world isn't quite there yet. Learn what options companies currently have to implement passwordless authentication. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2021
smart card
A smart card is a physical card that has an embedded integrated chip that acts as a security token. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2021
Encrypting File System (EFS)
Encrypting File System (EFS) provides an added layer of protection by encrypting files or folders on various versions of the Microsoft Windows OS. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2021
SPML (Services Provisioning Markup Language)
Services Provisioning Markup Language (SPML) is an open source XML-based standard that facilitates the exchange of account provisioning information among applications, services and organizations. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Dec 2021
How to perform Azure AD bulk operations with PowerShell
Microsoft offers multiple ways to manage users and groups in Azure Active Directory. PowerShell is one option, but it requires knowing which module to use to handle coverage gaps. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2021
4 API authentication methods to better protect data in transit
The API attack surface isn't always well protected. Learn about the authentication methods your company can use to secure its APIs. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Dec 2021
virtual local area network hopping (VLAN hopping)
Virtual local area network hopping (VLAN hopping) is a method of attacking the network resources of a VLAN by sending packets to a port not usually accessible from an end system. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Dec 2021
Is a passwordless future getting closer to reality?
Industry analysts offer predictions on the future of passwordless authentication and whether we'll ever truly get rid of one of security's weakest links. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Dec 2021
biometric payment
Biometric payment is a point-of-sale (POS) technology that uses biometric authentication physical characteristics to identify the user and authorize the deduction of funds from a bank account. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2021
Why you should plan to upgrade to Azure AD Connect v2 soon
Administrators who rely on an Azure AD Connect v1 version for hybrid identity with Office 365 should prepare for the impending retirement of several technologies in the utility. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2021
Passwordless authentication issues to address before adoption
The technology for passwordless authentication exists, but challenges remain. Companies must grapple with differing use cases, legacy software, adoption costs and more. Continue Reading