Protecting IT Systems: Why MFA is Essential for the Security of Tech Businesses

While the share of employees working remotely worldwide has increased significantly in recent years, to 28% in 2023, IT has the highest share of employees working primarily remotely by industry, with 67% of employees reporting working remotely.

This means that the IT industry has unique security challenges that need to be addressed by a strong security solution that protects sensitive systems in IT companies. That’s where Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) comes in.

MFA adds an extra layer of safety for critical systems, factoring in risk context to prevent unauthorized access and secure sensitive data. As an enterprise identity and access management (IAM) solution, Akku brings you a robust MFA module that you can roll out quickly and cost-effectively. 

Here’s how Akku MFA improves security for IT businesses…

Securing Development Environments 

Development environments – used for coding, testing, and software development – are high-risk areas. If not properly safeguarded, they are potential focal points for data breaches and attacks.

Akku secures these environments, as well as associated cloud platforms and repositories, through multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA can help prevent the impersonation of authorized users through credential misuse.

Akku MFA is also equipped with adaptive MFA, which flags unusual login attempts to trigger an intelligent step-up authentication process. This requires the entry of additional authentication factors as needed before granting access and works on any authentication point, including remote desktops. Since it doesn’t blindly demand an additional authentication factor for every login attempt, it reduces login fatigue while securing these critical systems.

As a result, Akku MFA:

  • Protects Intellectual Property by keeping unwanted users away from sensitive development environments. This prevents project data from falling into the wrong hands.
  • Prevents Data Breaches by implementing multiple forms of verification as needed, preventing unauthorized login.
  • Improves Internal Team Security by restricting access to verified team members alone.

In addition, Akku MFA seamlessly integrates with all commonly used development tools, making access security easy and maximizing productivity.

Safeguarding Admin Access to Critical Systems

System administrators require blanket access to various vital systems and confidential information. This is essential for productivity and efficient operations. On the other hand, this means that misuse of admin access can pose a serious security risk.

Without proper security measures, stolen passwords or insider threats can lead to unauthorized access, data leaks, and system problems. A strong authentication system helps confirm identities and block unauthorized entry.

Akku MFA introduces an additional layer of security through multi-factor authentication and adaptive MFA, which dramatically reduce the risk of impersonation and credential misuse. This ensures that even if passwords are lost or compromised, only authorized administrators can access these critical internal systems.

Akku MFA can:

  • Prevent Unauthorized Admin Access ensuring only fully verified admins control critical systems, sharply reducing hacking risks and unauthorized access.
  • Reduce Insider Threats by reducing the risk of intra-team credential theft and misuse.
  • Strengthen Network Security by safeguarding critical admin access points, thereby minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

Akku MFA can integrate with multiple major tools and platforms, making it an ideal security solution for managing all aspects of mission-critical tech systems.

 

By implementing MFA, your IT businesses can strengthen access security, protect critical systems, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. And by choosing Akku MFA, you benefit from seamless integration, adaptive authentication, and a comprehensive authentication factors library. Don’t wait for a security breach – take control now.

Startups to Enterprises: How Akku Meets Different Business Needs

Small, mid-sized, and large enterprises face different challenges with access management. From limited resources to scaling complexities to sprawling organizational structures, the differing needs of businesses at each phase of growth call for a tailored solution. 

In this blog, let’s explore how Akku empowers businesses of every size.

For Startups: Easy Setup, Powerful Security

The Challenge

As a startup or small-scale business, you may not have a large IT team or the technical skills to manage a complicated security system. But just like larger enterprises, your business too faces cyber risks. That’s why you need a security solution that’s simple, effective, and helps keep you safe while you focus on growing your business – without the need for technical expertise.

How Akku Helps

  • Quick IAM Setup with Minimal Technical Complexity: Akku simplifies the onboarding process, ensuring startups can get started without advanced technical know-how. Akku’s 500+ pre-built app connectors, user-friendly interface, and ease of setup allow small businesses to implement a robust IAM faster.
  • High Value-for-Money IAM Solutions: Budget constraints are a fact of life for small businesses. Akku offers plans that offer tremendous value and help you keep data security strong without breaking the bank.
  • Strong Foundational Security Measures: Akku helps you streamline access management and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) – these are vital tools to build a strong security foundation at your business.

For Mid-Size Businesses: Security balanced with Efficiency

The Challenge

As businesses grow bigger, operations become more complex. In addition to the concerns of smaller businesses, your mid-sized business needs to balance the need for stronger security with the importance of maintaining operational efficiency. The right IAM will support your growth while keeping operations secure and efficient.

How Akku Helps

  • Robust Authentication Security: Akku helps you enforce MFA as well as strong employee password policies, keeping the login process secure across the board for your growing time. And the option of passwordless authentication goes even further towards eliminating the risk of password misuse/abuse.
  • Efficient Application Access: As your business scales, the number of applications your teams use tends to rise exponentially. The result is significant friction in the user access process. With Akku’s robust single sign-on (SSO), access to applications is a matter of a single click, enabling increased productivity for users and administrators.
  • Improved Flexibility through Modular IAM Solutions: With evolving business priorities, Akku’s modular IAM solutions give you the flexibility to invest in the tools you need now, and add on functionalities as the business grows.

    For Enterprises: Streamlining Access & Reducing IT Admin Workloads

    The Challenge

    Thousands of employees across multiple departments, and numerous roles and designations are key characteristics of large enterprises that give rise to unique IAM challenges. These dynamics place a heavy load on your IT admin team, and make managing access time-consuming and prone to error. At the same time, the business also needs to comply with strict security policies and regulations.

    How Akku Helps

  • Automated Provisioning and Deprovisioning: By automating provisioning and deprovisioning, Akku massively reduces the workload for IT administrators and ensures no risk of human error. Employees are granted access to the systems and data they require promptly, improving productivity, while former employees lose access with a single stroke, securing systems.
  • Increased Productivity with Self-Service Password Management: Password recovery requests can overwhelm the IT function as your team sizes increase. Akku’s self-service password management system allows users to generate and update their own passwords, in compliance with custom policies. This improves productivity by cutting out wait time, while IT administrators save a significant amount of time.
  • Streamlined Data and Analytics for Audit: Akku offers a centralized platform to manage access across the organization, which also means it is a centralized point of data collection. Akku’s advanced reporting and analytics tools use this data to provide single-window visibility into access patterns, enabling informed decision-making. This also provides verifiable proof of compliance with security and data privacy regulations.

Improve security and streamline operations as you focus on growth – regardless of the size of your business. Ask for a demo today!

The Vital Role of IAM in the Top 5 Cybersecurity Trends for 2025

With more cyber threats emerging on a daily basis, the world of cybersecurity needs to evolve fast to suit. As we enter 2025, here are the top trends shaping the industry, and how IAMs impact each.

1. AI-Driven Cybersecurity

AI is set to revolutionize cybersecurity because it can detect threats in real time. Analyzing huge amounts of data in a split second, AI-based systems can identify anomalies and predict probable risks. They take proactive measures to safeguard digital environments.

Since AI is always learning from new threats, its ability to counter sophisticated cyberattacks is also constantly improving.

Akku MFA uses AI-driven anomaly detection and step-up authentication to deliver adaptive authentication. This achieves the right balance between security and ease of access.

2. Zero Trust Security

Zero Trust Architecture removes implicit trust from access authentication. Users and devices should not be granted access privileges by default. Instead, a policy of minimum access privilege should be followed. 

Strong IAMs are built on a foundation of Zero Trust principles. Strict access controls are laid down and followed automatically. These rules could be based on user identity, role or context.

You can maintain tight control over access permissions to move towards a zero trust security strategy with Akku User Lifecycle Manager. This is enforced through granular access controls, continuous authentication, and automated access deprovisioning.

3. Passwordless Authentication

Biometric systems and other authentication methods are replacing traditional passwords, improving security and user experience alike by reducing dependency on weak or reused passwords.

Advanced IAM solutions like Akku Password Manager and Akku MFA enable passwordless authentication for seamless and efficient user access.

By removing password vulnerabilities, businesses reduce risks like phishing and credential theft. Akku supports passwordless login, streamlines security, and helps organizations meet 2025’s cybersecurity demands more effectively.

4. Stricter Data Privacy Regulations

With increasing regulatory scrutiny, organizations must adopt stronger security measures. IAM solutions are essential for ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

Akku Access Manager enforces policies to prevent unauthorized access and maintains detailed audit logs for reporting.

It does so by letting you apply access restrictions based on IP address, device, location, and time of access. Akku helps businesses stay compliant while strengthening data protection in a rapidly evolving landscape.

5. Critical Infrastructure Security

Essential services like energy and healthcare are prime targets for cyberattacks. IAM solutions help protect these industries by enforcing strict controls and monitoring system access.

Akku SSO & IdP, Akku Access Manager and Akku MFA lay down privilege guidelines and ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive systems, minimizing the risk of both insider and external threats.

Akku Cloud Directory, Password Manager, and User Lifecycle Manager enable organizations in these critical industries to secure their user identities and streamline access management, providing comprehensive essential infrastructure security.

 

By investing in the latest IAM technology, organizations can easily cope with the challenges of 2025 and safeguard their valuable assets. Reach out to our team to learn more about the cybersecurity trends for 2025 and how Akku can help you address these new challenges and opportunities.

3 Challenges of hybrid work, and how identity & access management solves them

Even as an increasing percentage of the workforce works remotely, cyberattacks on organizations continue to surge. 73% of executives viewing remote workers as a heightened security risk. A 2024 report revealed a 104% increase in attempted cyberattacks over the previous year, highlighting the critical need for strong cybersecurity measures.

While the increased adoption of remote and hybrid work models has reshaped the workplace, the bottomline is that it also poses security challenges. Therefore ensuring secure collaboration – whether on-site or remote – requires solutions that protect data, authenticate access and mitigate risks in various environments. 

That’s where Identity & Access Management (IAM) comes in with its toolkit designed to safeguard your workspace – whether it’s at the office or remote.

Security Challenges of Hybrid Operations

1. Increased attack surface

With employees accessing resources from various networks and devices, the risk of unauthorised access grows, expanding the attack surface.

2. Access control and data security

Hybrid setups require strict control over access to sensitive data to prevent breaches and regulatory issues.

3. Device and network security

The mix of personal and corporate devices on different networks raises the risk of malware and cyber threats.

Key IAM features for Secure Collaboration

1. Single Sign-On (SSO)

SSO streamlines access to multiple applications with a single, secure login and reduces the need to manage multiple passwords. Akku’s Single Sign-On feature offers one-click access across applications, a single dashboard for quick provisioning, permissions management, and easy revocation of access across all applications.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA strengthens security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. However, implementing MFA can be complex and costly, especially when multiple applications from different providers need a unified platform. Akku offers MFA functionality that’s quick and cost-effective to deploy, with authentication factors including biometrics, SMS, and push notifications.

3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC restricts access to specific data and applications based on an employee’s role. This approach limits data exposure to only those who need it, safeguarding sensitive information and preventing accidental leaks or security breaches.

What does IAM ensure?

1. Real-time monitoring and auditing

IAM systems offer real-time visibility into user activities, allowing IT teams to monitor logins, device usage, and detect potential security incidents as they occur. Regular auditing ensures that user access aligns with each person’s current role, preventing privilege creep and enhancing accountability within the organization. In other words, real time monitoring and auditing ensure better decision-making, operational efficiency, breach detection and prevention, and customer satisfaction.

2. Data protection in multi-cloud and hybrid environments

A recent study reported a 75% rise in cloud incidents last year, which explains why IAM is highlighted as a key cloud security trend for 2025, with zero-trust architecture adoption projected to reach 60%, along with advanced access control measures to secure critical systems. IAMs secure collaboration across various cloud services by enforcing consistent access control policies across environments.

3. Improved compliance and data privacy

Compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA is essential for organizations handling sensitive information. By employing IAM, organizations can ensure they maintain the highest standards of data privacy and regulatory compliance.

 

The hybrid work model brings new security challenges, but your organization can stay not just a step but leaps and bounds ahead of every threat simply by adopting an IAM solution. Protect your data, improve your productivity with Akku. Talk to us today to find out more.

The future of safe hybrid collaboration with Akku


In case you’re still wondering how important it is to focus on security during remote operations and collaboration, there are 10.5 trillion reasons to sit up and take note. According to the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, the cost of cybercrime is projected to hit an annual $10.5 trillion by 2025. 

A single data leak can have catastrophic consequences for a business, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. As of February, the global average data breach cost was 4.88 million U.S. dollars.

As organizations transition to cloud-based collaboration, this opens the door to risks of remote ops that didn’t really exist before or were far easier to manage in an office-based working context. 

Additionally, misconfigured security settings and improper assignment of access rights, which can result in “privilege creep”, or employees gaining more access rights than necessary. This is a major risk factor since insiders are responsible for 20% of data breaches, often due to such excessive access.

 

Here are three ways to address these challenges related to security during collaboration.

1. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

This ensures team members only have access to the information necessary for their specific tasks. RBAC needs to be reviewed regularly and updated.

2. Regularly audit collaboration tools

This helps identify potential security gaps, misconfigurations, and outdated permissions. 

3. Utilize secure collaboration platforms

Invest in collaboration tools that prioritize security features, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and robust compliance measures. Akku offers secure collaboration solutions tailored to meet your organization’s needs.

Akku has a suite of features designed to secure team collaboration in hybrid work environments. 

Here are some of the ways Akku enables secure collaboration.

Granular access control

Akku ensures secure application and data access for hybrid teams, even beyond office firewalls. It allows administrators to enforce strict control over user access by utilizing IP-based, device-based, location-based, and time-based restrictions. Administrators can whitelist or blacklist specific IP addresses, ensuring access only from authorized locations. Also, device-based restrictions tie access to registered devices, while location- and time-based controls further limit access to designated areas and specific time frames. 

Centralized policy management

As teams and projects evolve, so do access needs. Akku’s User Lifecycle Manager provides centralized control over access policies. Integrated with Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (AMFA), the platform provides real-time adjustments to security policies, enhancing overall control and ensuring secure access across various environments.

Compliance and auditing

Akku’s detailed audit trails and activity logs help organizations track every interaction within their collaboration tools. This ensures compliance with industry regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. 

For one of its clients, Akku helped ensure HIPAA compliance by securing access to sensitive medical data through its internal office networks, minimizing the risk of data breaches. By implementing a unified identity and access management solution, Akku provided visibility into user access, addressing the challenge of shared computers and reducing the manual effort involved in password management. This streamlined solution enhanced data security, improved compliance with HIPAA regulations, and protected the privacy of sensitive medical information for their 8,000+ distributed workforce. 

500+ Pre-Built App Connectors

Akku integrates with over 500 cloud-based collaboration platforms, including Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 allowing businesses to enjoy collaboration across their favorite tools without sacrificing ease of use.

 

Securing hybrid collaboration is no longer optional—it’s essential. Businesses need tools to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and streamline collaboration across cloud-based platforms. If you’re looking to safeguard your team’s collaboration, explore how Akku’s IAM solutions can help you.

BYOD Security & Compliance: How Akku’s Device-Based Access Controls Protect Your Data


A staggering 82% of organizations now have a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program in place, with 68% reporting a boost in productivity after making the switch. Also, companies that adopt BYOD smartphones can save up to $341 per employee. However, with these advantages comes risk — data loss remains the top concern for organizations, especially with stats showing about 50% of employees fail to change their passwords after a data breach.

It’s clear these risks need to be addressed, a solution that incorporates device-based access controls along with necessary security to protect data while maintaining the flexibility of BYOD.

So what are the key security challenges in a BYOD world?

1. Data leaks

Personal devices are more prone to data breaches, as sensitive information may accidentally or intentionally be shared with unauthorized individuals. Reports are that the major security barriers include data leakage or loss (62%), downloading unsafe apps (54%), and stolen devices (53%). Despite these concerns, many organizations are still blind to the risks, with 49% unsure if malware has compromised their networks via BYOD.

2. Lost or stolen devices

When a device containing corporate data is lost or stolen, it poses a serious risk, as unauthorized users could gain access to critical information. Stats show that though 70% of BYOD applies to employees, other groups such as contractors (26%), partners (21%), customers (18%), and suppliers (14%) also access corporate networks, raising the stakes.

3. Malware and virus threats

Personal devices are not always equipped with the same level of security as company-issued ones, making them vulnerable to malware and viruses, which could compromise data integrity. Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2023 says BYOD should stand for “bring your own disaster” and reveals that about 90% of ransomware attacks in the past year stemmed from unmanaged devices, typically personal gadgets brought in from home that lack sufficient security protections. With global ransomware attacks skyrocketing by more than 200%, organizations adopting BYOD policies are unwittingly exposing their networks to substantial risks.

Akku’s device-based access controls

With Akku Access Manager, admins can easily whitelist approved devices, so only authorized devices like company-owned laptops or specific mobile devices can access your organization’s applications.

How does it work?

  • The Akku Agent is installed on the device to be whitelisted, similar to how you would install any other app
  • The Akku Agent authenticates the user account details to be activated
  • It then captures the device’s serial number and securely stores it on Akku’s server, linked to the user’s account
  • Each time the user attempts to log in, Akku compares the device’s serial number with the list of approved devices associated with that user
  • If the serial number matches, the user is granted access
  • If the user tries to log in from an unapproved device, access is denied

This system ensures that only trusted devices gain access to the company’s network, reducing the risks of unauthorized logins and data breaches.

With a device-based access control implemented, here’s how Akku protects your data.

1. Device authentication

Akku’s access controls ensure that only devices that meet your organization’s security criteria are permitted to access the network. For example, Akku uses an agent to grab the serial number and BIOS UUID from each user’s device, linking it to their profile. This makes sure that only the devices registered to a specific user can access their account.

2. Access controls and compliance

The BYOD policy should clearly define the permitted and prohibited use of personal devices within the workplace. It must also cover security, privacy concerns, and potential liabilities in case of breaches. With Akku Access Manager, admins can also set time limits for when users can access your organization’s apps. This feature makes sure that access is only allowed during certain time windows, adding another layer of security and control.

3. Real-time monitoring and reporting

Smart Analytics in Akku Access Manager keeps track of both successful and failed login attempts. It logs who’s trying to access which apps, along with details like the time, location, and authentication methods used. You also get insights into which AMFA checks are triggered most often, helping you prioritize those factors to make the login experience smoother for users. And it’s all in real-time.

 

It is time to take control of your BYOD security, compliance, and monitoring. Explore how Akku’s device-based access controls can protect your data!

The AI Revolution: Transforming Cybersecurity

Author: Dinesh

Reading Time: 3 mins

Any conversation you tune in to these days – be it related to business, entertainment, or technology – connects back to artificial intelligence in some way. The advances in natural language processing in the last year or two have made it even easier for laypeople to engage with the tech, and beyond research, writing, and design, the AI revolution has well and truly arrived in cybersecurity technology too.

 

 

Here’s a few ways that AI is impacting the world of cybersecurity management.

User behavior tracking

AI-powered IAMs can use user behavior analytics to identify ‘normal’ user behavior patterns and detect deviations or anomalies. AI algorithms undertake continuous analysis of user activity to identify baseline patterns and trends. On this basis, they can flag unusual activity such as unusual login locations or times. As these anomalies may indicate account compromise or fraud, this advance warning lets companies respond promptly.

Threat detection

Using AI in identity and access management, you can automatically analyze significant volumes of threat intelligence data to identify anomalous behavior or patterns. You can even integrate with threat intelligence feeds for real-time security information and threat detection.

By analyzing data such as user behavior, network traffic and logs, AI-powered systems can learn and understand normal user behavior. They are thus able to detect deviations from this norm. The cybersecurity solution can flag suspicious access, fraudulent activity or account compromise, and AI-powered cybersecurity can be trained to block unauthorized access.

Through machine learning, AI in cybersecurity and AI in network security can identify potential vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. This form of proactive threat detection helps businesses better protect their systems. By analyzing code patterns, behavior, and other indicators of compromise, malware detection improves in terms of speed and accuracy.

Intelligent identity and access management

An AI PAM (Privileged Access Management) experience is enhanced by the AI-powered security identity management solution. By monitoring and analyzing privileged user activity, the tool can recommend least privilege principles. This reduces the risk of privilege abuse and insider threats. With contextual information such as user roles, locations, and networks, the tool can make more informed decisions pertaining to access control. Dynamic access management helps businesses enforce highly specific access policies. You can adapt access privileges based on circumstance. 

Innovative and adaptive authentication management

With AI-powered IAM systems, you can implement more secure and user-friendly authentication methods, such as behavioral, voice-based, or risk-based authentication. Based on user behavior and device information, AI algorithms can assess risk levels in real-time. This way, you can enable adaptive authentication. The level of security and AI authentication needed for the specific use case and device access varies based on the perceived risk. IAM AI thus balances security and user convenience.

Automated IT support

Through AI-driven IAMs, you can automate user provisioning and de-provisioning processes based on defined policies. By streamlining the identity lifecycle in this way, you reduce the burden on IT administrative staff through AI business process automation. AI is also ‘always on’, and provides automated IT solutions and continuous user activity monitoring. AI monitors access controls and security events, based on which it provides risk assessment and adaptive security measures. This frees up your IT cybersecurity team from such regular monitoring activities and helps improve organization efficiency.

 

Looking at streamlining cybersecurity identity management? AI and cybersecurity is a complex but interesting field. Talk to our team of experts to learn more about AI in cybersecurity and IAM systems.

Upgrading security: The advantages of Adaptive MFA over standard MFA


What do you think the world’s third-largest economy is? According to Cybersecurity Ventures, it’s cybercrime. Their report says the global annual cost of cybercrime may hit USD 9.5 trillion in 2024 and reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, literally making it “the world’s third-largest economy after the U.S. and China”. Ransomware is the “most immediate threat” on a global scale, with damages costing victims nearly USD 265 billion annually by 2031, a drastic increase from $42 billion expected in 2024.

One thing is clear: In today’s digital landscape, security is more critical than ever.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), which became mainstream in the mid-2000s, has been a key tool in enhancing security for over two decades, safeguarding online accounts by requiring multiple forms of identification, thereby adding layers of protection against unauthorized access. However, as threats have evolved, so too needs more sophisticated security measures, leading to the development of Adaptive MFA (AMFA).

Traditional MFA and its benefits

Traditional MFA improves security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing a system. This typically includes:

1. Something the user knows (Knowledge Factor): Like a password or a PIN.

2. Something the user owns (Possession Factor): Such as a smartphone or a security token.

3. Something that the user is (Inherence Factor): A biometric identifier like a fingerprint.

These layers of security make it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access, as they would need to bypass multiple barriers. MFA thereby reduces the risk associated with traditional single-factor authentication, which relies only on usernames and passwords.

Limitations of Traditional MFA

Traditional MFA applies the same security checks to all users, regardless of the context, which can sometimes create unnecessary friction. As the digital environment became more complex, the limitations of traditional or static MFA became more apparent.

That’s what led to Adaptive MFA (AMFA)

AMFA, also known as risk-based authentication, adds an ‘intelligent’ layer that assesses the context and risk of each login attempt. By analyzing factors such as user behavior, location, and device type, AMFA can adjust the authentication requirements accordingly, providing a more effective security solution. It evaluates the context of each access attempt—such as the user’s location, device, and behavior—and adjusts the security requirements based on the assessed risk.

What makes MFA adaptive?

AMFA uses key elements to assess the risk level of each login attempt and determine the appropriate level of security, for example:

  • Geolocation: The physical location of the login attempt is analyzed. Unusual or unexpected locations may trigger additional authentication steps.
  • Device Recognition: The system checks whether the device being used is recognized or trusted. New or unknown devices might require more stringent verification.
  • Behavioral Biometrics: Adaptive MFA can monitor and analyze user behavior, such as typing patterns or navigation habits, to detect anomalies that could indicate a security threat.

How does it work exactly?

Adaptive MFA couples the authentication process with real-time risk analysis. When a user attempts to log in, the system compares their current behavior and context against an established risk profile, which outlines what is considered normal for that user. If the login attempt falls within the expected parameters, access is granted with minimal additional verification. However, if the attempt appears unusual—such as logging in from a new location or device—the system assigns a higher risk score and triggers additional security challenges like answering security questions, entering a one-time password sent to a registered device, or providing biometric verification. AMFA may also use machine learning and artificial intelligence to continuously monitor user behavior throughout the session.

Key Benefits of AMFA over MFA

Security that adjusts based on assessed risk

Unlike static MFA, which applies the same security measures universally, AMFA evaluates contextual factors to ensure that only authorized users gain access. This dynamic approach makes it much harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

Improved user experience

Traditional MFA can be cumbersome, especially when users need to log in frequently or from familiar devices. AMFA streamlines the process by only triggering additional authentication steps when necessary.

Streamlines access from recognized devices

AMFA also improves efficiency by recognizing trusted devices and routine login behaviors. For example, if an employee regularly logs in from the same device and location during business hours, Adaptive MFA might allow them to access their account with minimal verification.

 

When considering an AMFA solution, Akku offers a standout option that combines security with a user-friendly platform. Protect your systems more effectively. Reach out to Akku today.

Save Costs and Boost Security with Automated User Provisioning and Deprovisioning

 

Provisioning and de-provisioning are critical processes in managing access to data and systems within an organization. Proper provisioning ensures new employees receive the access rights they need to perform their jobs effectively. Conversely, de-provisioning ensures access is promptly revoked when an employee leaves the organization, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Failing to provision or de-provision users correctly results in several issues.

  • Delays in provisioning mean users don’t have the access they need, and that’s productive time lost
  • Users with inappropriate access may inadvertently modify or delete important data, leading to inaccuracies
  • Former employees with lingering access, after they exit the organization, can pose significant security threats, leading to data breaches
  • Organizations may face regulatory fines and reputational damage if they fail to manage access controls

Most of these problems are caused by a manual process for provisioning and de-provisioning – here’s why.

  • Time-Consuming Processes: IT teams spend a significant amount of time creating, managing, and disabling user accounts, which can delay access for new hires and leave security gaps when employees depart. A manual process involves multiple steps and approvals, such as filling out forms, sending emails, waiting for responses, and logging into different systems, which can be tedious, repetitive, and prone to delays or failures, especially when dealing with many users or frequent changes. Automated provisioning reduces this process from days to just minutes.
  • Human Errors: Manual processes are susceptible to mistakes, such as granting incorrect access rights or failing to revoke access promptly. For example, a user may be granted access to a resource they should not have, or a user may be left with access to a resource that they no longer need. These errors can cause security breaches, compliance issues, operational problems, or data leaks.
  • Lack of Consistency: Ensuring consistent application of access policies is difficult, leading to potential security vulnerabilities. Provisioning done poorly creates problems with employee onboarding and offboarding, thus straining relationships between departments and adding unnecessary stress across an organization. Governance, risk, security, and compliance teams are frustrated when employees have too much access or access they don’t need or, worse when poor offboarding doesn’t remove access for someone who has left the organization.
  • Lack of auditability: A manual process may not provide a clear and comprehensive record of who has access to what, when, why, and how. This can make it difficult to monitor, review, and report on user activity and access rights, as well as to detect and respond to any anomalies or incidents. Manual processes may fail to meet regulatory requirements for user provisioning and de-provisioning, such as separation of duties, role-based access control, and identity verification.

A manual provisioning and de-provisioning process brings with it certain direct and indirect costs.

  • Direct Costs: The time and resources required to manage user accounts manually can add up, diverting IT staff from more strategic tasks.
  • Indirect Costs: Inconsistent access management can lead to security breaches, regulatory fines, and damage to the organization’s reputation.

That’s why it’s time to make the move to automated user provisioning and de-provisioning.

1. Access control in real-time

Automated systems ensure that new employees have instant access to the necessary resources, enhancing productivity from day one. Automated provisioning sets up access and privileges for each resource in the organization based on the employee’s role and company rules. When an admin adds, edits, or removes a user, the system automatically adjusts the access—turning it on, changing it, or turning it off. Similarly, access can be promptly revoked for departing employees, mitigating security risks.

2. Consistent application of policies

Automation enforces consistent access policies across the organization, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. By automatically giving and taking away access based on set rules, it reduces the chance of unauthorized access. This automatic system eliminates human error, lowering the risk of security breaches.

3. Reduction in administrative overhead

By automating repetitive tasks, IT teams can focus on more strategic initiatives, reducing the overall administrative burden and operational costs.

A study by Aberdeen Group found that effective onboarding can improve new hire productivity by 60% and reduce turnover by 50%. Using automation software and remote support, companies can speed up the onboarding process and help new employees get up to speed faster.

4. Minimizing the Risk of Data Breaches

Automated deprovisioning ensures that former employees no longer have access to sensitive data, significantly lowering the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. According to a Thales report, human actions can compromise security, with 44% of their survey respondents saying they’ve experienced one. In the past year alone, 14% reported a breach.

So how do you choose the right tool to automate user provisioning and deprovisioning?

  • Integration capabilities: Ensure the tool integrates with your existing systems and applications. This will reduce the time required to set up infrastructure components, such as virtual machines, databases, and networking resources, accelerating time-to-market for applications and services.
  • Scalability: As your organization grows, the number of access requests will also increase. So, choose a solution that can grow with your organization and adapt to changing needs.
  • Ease of Use: Look for tools with intuitive interfaces that simplify the setup and management of user provisioning and de-provisioning. Use automated provisioning software that can handle tasks like assigning IP addresses, configuring DNS, and setting permissions for employees and clients. This helps integrate the entire work infrastructure of an organization with just a click.

Automating user provisioning and de-provisioning is a smart investment for organizations looking to enhance security, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. But you need to implement the right automation tools so your organization can ensure immediate access control, consistent policy application, reduced administrative overhead, and minimized risk of data breaches. Our experts at Akku can help you with that. Reach out to us today.

Boost security, streamline operations: Here’s how IAM can help your ITeS/BPO business

In the ITeS and BPO industry, striking the right balance between productivity and security can mean the difference between success and failure. Security breaches can have serious financial and reputational consequences, but at the same time an excessive tilt to security at the cost of efficiency can hurt competitiveness.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the key challenges that most ITeS and BPO businesses face, which find solutions in identity an access management.

High employee turnover

The BPO industry is known for its high employee turnover (some reports peg it as high as 40%). This means a continuous cycle of provisioning, de-provisioning, and updating access for constantly changing staff – a logistical nightmare for your IT admin team, and a high risk for unauthorized access.

Remote work

The pandemic may be behind us, but remote work remains 3-4x as prevalent as it was in 2019. Ensuring secure access is a major challenge this presents because the office firewall just doesn’t cut it anymore. At the same time, applying excessive restrictions across the board often stifles productivity.

Data sensitivity

At most ITeS and BPO companies, there are significant volumes of sensitive client data to be managed. Unauthorized access to this data is a major can result in major erosion of client trust and loss of business.

Complex access needs

Employees often need access to multiple systems and applications, each with different access requirements. Improper manual management of these access rights can lead to errors and security gaps.

Here’s how IAM solves each of these problems.

Automated provisioning and deprovisioning

Advanced IAM systems such as Akku help you automate the process of provisioning, de-provisioning, and updation of user access permissions. When employees join or leave, their access rights are automatically updated, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and ensuring compliance. 

This means significant amounts of time saved when new employees join your organization or change roles, with the required access permissions assigned with a single click. And when an employee leaves the company, your administrators no longer need to delete the user from each of your applications separately. With one-click deprovisioning, you save time and ensure no access permissions are accidentally left active which could leave the door open to security risks.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

SSO allows employees to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. This improves their user experience and efficiency, and also enhances security by reducing the number of credentials that your users need to manage, which could potentially become compromised.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security on top of your password. This is even more important in remote or hybrid operations where you have no way of verifying that the person logging in with a set of credentials is actually a genuine user. MFA goes a long way toward securing your organization’s sensitive data from fraudulent login attempts with stolen user credentials. 

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

A comprehensive IAM solution like Akku enables you to enforce role-based access control, ensuring that employees only have access to the information necessary for their roles. RBAC allows you to control what end-users can access by assigning them to roles such as administrator, team lead, executive, or business analyst, for example. Permissions can then be aligned with these roles ensuring job functions can be performed without providing excessive or universal access which opens up security risks.

Secure remote access

When it comes to remote operations, ensuring secure access practices is vital to protect sensitive data and applications. An IAM solution like Akku addresses this in multiple ways. 

For example, you can set up an IP-based access restriction to allow access to certain sensitive data only from the office to prevent misuse and ensure security. All other functions can be performed remotely to promote productivity and convenience.

Or access to certain resources can be limited to only whitelisted devices using device-based restriction. 

Each user can be limited to access resources relevant to them only during their defined work shift and access can be prevented at other times through time-based restrictions. 

And access can even be disabled from other countries to prevent malicious activity originating outside your area of operations through location-based restriction.

Partnering with a service provider such as Akku, which has tailored IAM solutions for the BPO and ITeS industry can help you protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations besides enabling streamlined operations and collaboration across departments. Contact Akku today to learn more!