Definition, risks and secure management

Explanation of terms

Digital identity describes all the information that makes a person, device or system uniquely identifiable in the digital space. This includes user accounts, access data, roles, authorizations or biometric features, regardless of whether they are stored locally, in the cloud or hybrid.

Digital identities are the backbone of modern IT security. Without them, it is impossible to ensure who has access to what and why.

What exactly is a digital identity?

Digital identities can be assigned to both people (e.g. employees, partners, customers) and non-human entities, such as applications, bots, servers or IoT devices. They all need their own identity in order to communicate securely with systems and act in an authorized manner.

One user, multiple accounts

A single person often has several digital accounts: e.g. for email, ERP, HR systems or collaboration tools. All these accounts are part of a digital identity - and must be managed and protected consistently.

Risks with weak identity checks

If a digital identity is compromised, for example through phishing or credential stuffing, the consequences can be far-reaching:

Unauthorized persons can gain access to critical systems and data, often unnoticed. The risk of data breaches and cyberattacks increases significantly.

Therefore:

The stronger the identity management, the higher the resilience.

Digital identities require governance

Modern IAM concepts are needed to securely manage digital identities - including authentication, authorization, transparency and a set of rules for access.

Centralized identity management is essential, especially in companies with many employees, systems and hybrid infrastructures.

Typical components of digital identities:

  • User name, password, biometric features
  • Roles & group memberships
  • Device IDs or service accounts
  • Certificates, tokens or keys
  • Access histories & attributes such as department, location etc.

Conclusion:

Digital identities are the basis for security and efficiency, as well as for compliance. Without them, there is no control over access and without control, there is no security

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