In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity technology, African organizations find themselves at a crucial crossroads. While the pace of IT investment has accelerated across the continent, the pressing question remains: are these investments directed where they are most needed? This question gains particular significance as cybersecurity becomes an increasingly immense and vital challenge.
To explore this question, BeyondTrust partnered with IDC Technology Africa to sponsor a Spotlight report, called “Africa’s Road Map to Identity Maturity and Security Using Privileged Access Controls.” This blog covers key findings from that report.
The State of Cybersecurity in Africa
According to IDC’s 2023 Worldwide Security Spending Guide, a mere 9.2% of the total security software spending in South Africa and the rest of the Middle East and Africa was allocated to identity and digital trust software in 2022, amounting to $92.2 million. Shockingly, over 90% of businesses on the continent operate without the minimum necessary cybersecurity protocols.
Misaligned Priorities in Cybersecurity Spending
Even within the realm of cybersecurity spending, organizations are not necessarily focusing on the right priorities. The lion's share still goes to endpoint and network security. However, with today’s lack of fixed network boundaries and surging numbers of users, organizations risk losing track of access controls and privileges, especially in hybrid environments.
The Role of Privileged Access Management (PAM) in Cybersecurity
Why PAM #1 - Criticality in Cloud Adoption
Africa has emerged as a hub for digitalization, witnessing widespread public cloud adoption. However, organizations often overlook the need for security ownership and accountability in the cloud, posing significant risks. Privileged Access Management (PAM) becomes even more critical in this context, providing the necessary monitoring and visibility to prevent the loss of control over user activities in the cloud.
Why PAM #2 - Integral to Zero Trust Initiatives
Zero Trust has become a key focus for cybersecurity teams across Africa, with a notable increase in attention over the past two years. Organizations need to understand that zero trust emphasizes identity verification, authentication, and authorization, making a strong identity and access strategy essential for any zero-trust initiative. In an IDC Security Survey in January 2023, respondents in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) ranked zero trust initiatives second in terms of expected investment over the next 12–18 months. Organizations must understand that, at its core, zero trust focuses on building access controls based on identity and context.
Zero trust emphasizes identity verification, authentication, and authorization—not just of users, but also of systems and devices. As such, identity and access mark the beginning of any zero-trust project. A strong identity and access strategy is thus necessary for any zero-trust initiative.
Why PAM #3 - Combatting Phishing and Insider Threats
Phishing and insider threats rank among the top five cybersecurity threats in Sub-Saharan Africa. The region's vulnerability to phishing is compounded by the growing adoption of generative AI by hackers. Robust authentication and privileged access controls, with real-time tracking and monitoring, are imperative to prevent phishing-initiated breaches.
Why PAM #4 - Defense Against Ransomware
Ransomware, a growing concern for cybersecurity teams, is fundamentally an identity, privilege, and data access problem. PAM serves as a robust defense by ensuring the right access, coupled with behavior monitoring, for admin users and machines.
The Urgency for Privileged Access Security Initiatives
African organizations can no longer afford to delay implementing privileged access security initiatives. Beyond countering cyber threats, a privileged access control strategy creates business value by orchestrating and automating time-consuming manual tasks.
A Phased Approach to PAM Implementation
Implementing privileged access and identity security is not a one-time solution but a journey. Given the complexity involved, IDC recommends a phased approach for African organizations. Start by securing the most privileged users—the crown jewels—and gradually build identity maturity from there.
Steps for a phased approach to PAM implementation:
- Create a Business Need: Establish the necessity for privileged access security in your organization to secure the budget.
- Tool Selection Criteria: Choose a solution that provides complete coverage, centralized management, integrated platforms, and detailed reporting.
- Integration with Third-Party Tools: Opt for a solution that enables integration with critical third-party tools, such as Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR).
- Metrics and ROI Measurement: Select a solution that features detailed reporting, including metrics that aid in measuring Return on Investment (ROI).
Conclusion
As African organizations navigate the intricate landscape of IT investments, prioritizing cybersecurity—and specifically embracing Privileged Access Management—is not only a necessity but a strategic imperative. By adopting a phased approach and investing in the right tools, functionalities, and frameworks, organizations can fortify their defenses, safeguard their digital assets, and embark on a secure path to a resilient digital future.
Sponsored by BeyondTrust, IDC Technology Spotlight report, “Africa’s Road Map to Identity Maturity and Security Using Privileged Access Controls”, examines the need for identity-focused security in Africa, highlighting the digital adoption trends that lead to vulnerable business postures and the methods for enhancing security strategies using privileged controls. The overall goal of the report is to help establish a sound privileged access security strategy roadmap for Africa.
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Africa’s Road Map to Identity Maturity and Security Using Privileged Access Controls
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Africa’s Road Map to Identity Maturity and Security Using Privileged Access Controls
Allen Longstreet, Content Marketing Writer
Allen is a content marketing writer at BeyondTrust. He has a wealth of experience building content strategy for tech start ups and SAAS businesses. He has a passion for video production, creative storytelling, and the intersection between the two.