Most cyberattacks start with something as simple as a compromised password. And with the NIS2 Directive raising the bar for cybersecurity across industries, organizations need to rethink how they manage access.
A strong Identity Access Management (IAM) solution isn’t just about keeping hackers out - it’s about meeting compliance standards, protecting sensitive data, and making life easier for users. From eliminating passwords to using AI to spot suspicious activity, the right IAM features can help you stay secure and stay compliant. Curious about what to prioritize? Here are five features that could transform your approach to IAM.
MFA is a cornerstone of any secure IAM strategy, requiring users to verify their identity through multiple factors—something they know (password), something they have (security token), or something they are (biometric). The NIS2 Directive underscores the importance of comprehensive identity verification to prevent unauthorized access, making MFA a critical feature for compliance.
Modern IAM solutions enhance MFA with adaptive mechanisms, assessing risks based on location, device, and behavior to determine when additional verification is needed. For instance, an employee logging in from an unfamiliar location might be prompted for biometric confirmation, while a trusted login skips extra steps. This balance between security and user experience aligns with NIS2’s emphasis on strong yet practical security measures.
Managing multiple credentials is not only inconvenient but also increases the risk of password-related vulnerabilities. SSO solves this problem by allowing users to access multiple applications and services with a single set of credentials. By centralizing authentication, SSO aligns with NIS2’s focus on secure and controlled access to critical systems.
Modern SSO supports federation standards like SAML and OpenID Connect, enabling seamless integration with cloud services, on-premises systems, and third-party platforms. For organizations adhering to NIS2, this interoperability ensures that employees and partners can securely access the resources they need without creating additional compliance risks.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) are fundamental to managing permissions. Modern IAM solutions should enable fine-grained control, ensuring users have access only to resources essential for their roles. These capabilities ensure compliance with NIS2 by reducing over-privileged access and maintaining detailed records of access activities.
The shift towards ABAC allows organizations to enforce dynamic policies based on user attributes, environmental conditions, and resource sensitivity. For example, access to sensitive financial data might require not only specific job roles but also access from a corporate device within a secure network.
Traditional passwords are often a weak link in security. Modern IAM solutions are moving toward passwordless authentication methods such as biometric scans, security keys, and device-based credentials. These methods reduce reliance on passwords, enhance security, and improve user experiences by removing the need to remember complex credentials. NIS2 encourages secure and user-friendly authentication methods, making passwordless authentication an ideal solution for compliance and security.
Organizations adopting passwordless approaches benefit from reduced helpdesk costs associated with password resets and enhanced user satisfaction. Additionally, biometric solutions like fingerprint or facial recognition ensure that only the intended user can access resources, adding an extra layer of security.
NIS2 mandates real-time monitoring and proactive incident management to address cybersecurity risks. Artificial intelligence and machine learning enable IAM systems to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time. By analyzing user behavior and identifying anomalies, these solutions can proactively block unauthorized access attempts, trigger alerts, or enforce stricter access protocols. AI enhances both security and operational efficiency, making it a must-have feature in today’s threat environment.
For instance, AI can identify unusual login times, locations, or patterns that deviate from a user's typical behavior, flagging these events for immediate review. Integrating AI-driven threat detection with security information and event management (SIEM) systems further strengthens organizational defenses.
The NIS2 Directive emphasizes the need for comprehensive identity and access controls across essential services and critical infrastructure. IAM features such as MFA, granular access control, and AI-driven monitoring directly support compliance with NIS2. By integrating these capabilities, organizations can align with the directive’s requirements and enhance their overall security posture.
Improved Access Controls: NIS2 mandates stricter access controls, aligning perfectly with IAM solutions offering MFA and dynamic policies.
Incident Reporting and Monitoring: IAM’s real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities meet NIS2’s requirements for incident management.
Supply Chain Security: Granular access controls ensure secure third-party access, reducing supply chain risks highlighted in the directive.
A modern IAM solution must blend security, usability, and adaptability to meet today’s challenges. Also, The NIS2 Directive has raised the stakes for cybersecurity, and implementing a modern IAM solution is one of the most effective ways to stay compliant while protecting your organization from evolving threats. Features like MFA, SSO, granular access control, passwordless authentication, and AI-powered threat detection not only align with NIS2 requirements but also create a safer, more efficient digital environment for your team.
Are your IAM systems ready to meet both the challenges of cybersecurity and the demands of NIS2 compliance? Now is the time to find out – contact us.
