Extending IAM and Zero Trust Principles to All Admin Accounts

Key Takeaways

Health tech struggles with outdated systems, necessitating innovative IAM solutions.
Protocol translators are vital for integrating legacy systems with modern IAM tools.
Robust policies and proactive monitoring help reinforce zero trust security in healthcare IT.

Addressing Legacy System Challenges in Healthcare

Healthcare systems often rely on outdated technology, including diagnostic and lab tools that have been in place for decades. The challenge with these legacy systems is the absence of viable software upgrades, which can compromise security and efficiency. Innovations in Identity and Access Management (IAM) are emerging to tackle these issues. For instance, credential injection allows IAM systems to supply admin credentials during active sessions without exposing them to users. Additionally, just-in-time accounts are becoming popular; they provision admin accounts only when needed and disable them post-task completion. Healthcare IT teams are encouraged to reassess their legacy systems to determine whether improvements can be made.

Bridging Legacy Systems and Modern IAM

Despite advancements in IAM for authentication and authorization, many healthcare IT functions still depend on outdated protocols. Implementing protocol translators can help integrate these older systems with contemporary IAM tools, especially when managing administrative access. This step is crucial for moving towards a zero trust security model, which can significantly reduce security risks by uniting disparate technological silos.

Creating PAM Policies for Out-of-Band Systems

Complete coverage for Privileged Access Management (PAM) may never be fully attainable, underscoring the importance of specific policies for systems outside PAM’s domain. By defining necessary compensating controls, including password change requirements and logging protocols, IT teams can effectively manage out-of-scope systems. Such policies can guide security measures while bolstering the principles of zero trust.

Using Logs and Audits for Enhanced Security

Implementing robust logging and auditing processes is essential for identifying and mitigating security weak points. Configuring Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to monitor potential IAM blind spots allows for a thorough audit of actual access events against IAM logs. This monitoring ensures that unauthorized logins are swiftly identified and mitigated. Healthcare IT teams might explore using artificial intelligence for anomaly detection, enabling faster responses to unexpected access patterns and enhancing overall security posture.

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