Understanding NHIs: Hidden Costs and Managing AI Risks

Executive Summary

Non-human identities (NHIs) are rapidly outgrowing human users, creating significant governance challenges and security risks. This article by One Identity highlights the hidden costs of NHIs, particularly regarding agentic AI, which can lead to breaches and compliance issues. Experts Rob Kraczek and Chris Ray discuss practical strategies for managing NHIs effectively and propose a governance model that ensures better control over these identities. The insights aim to equip organizations with the necessary steps to enhance their NHI management programs in just 90 days.

👉 Read the full article from One Identity here for comprehensive insights.

Key Insights

Understanding Non-Human Identities (NHIs)

• NHIs, including API services and bots, can outnumber human identities by 40 to 1 in organizations.
• The complexity of managing NHIs arises from their unchecked proliferation and lack of governance.

Unique Risks of Agentic AI

• Agentic AI poses significant operational risks, as it can make autonomous decisions leading to unforeseen vulnerabilities.
• Organizations face potential breaches and compliance failures if NHIs are not properly managed.

Governance Model Evolution

• Transitioning from a vault-centric model to a governance approach ensures oversight of NHIs.
• A mature governance model effectively defines roles, responsibilities, and identity access protocols.

Steps to Advance Your NHI Program

• Implement actionable strategies to strengthen NHI controls within 90 days, focusing on risk assessment and identity management.
• Regularly review and refine governance policies to adapt to evolving threats and operational needs.

👉 Access the full expert analysis and actionable security insights from One Identity here.