Closing the 2% Gap: Mastering Non-Employee Identity Security

Read full article here: https://www.sailpoint.com/blog/sailpoint-non-employee-identity-validation/?utm_source=nhimg

Modern enterprises thrive on third-party collaboration. Contractors, vendors, and partners play essential roles in driving innovation and agility yet each of these non-employee identities introduces potential security blind spots. When external users gain access to critical systems and data, even a small lapse in identity assurance can lead to outsized consequences.

The 2% Problem

Many organizations operate with the mindset that “98% certainty is good enough.” But in identity security, that remaining 2% uncertainty is where breaches begin.
Across thousands of non-employee accounts, even a fraction of compromise can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, and erode trust. And with deepfakes and AI-driven impersonation on the rise, traditional verification methods are no longer sufficient.

Non-employees typically undergo less rigorous vetting than full-time staff, creating an easy entry point for attackers posing as legitimate users. The question is simple: are you comfortable with that level of exposure?

The Cost of Uncertainty

A single false identity can trigger:

• Data breaches exposing proprietary or regulated information
• Financial losses from fraudulent access or misuse
• Compliance violations due to weak onboarding controls
• Reputational damage that undermines customer and partner confidence

Identity assurance isn’t just a compliance checkbox, it’s a core pillar of business resilience.

Raising the Bar with SailPoint Non-Employee Risk Management

SailPoint Non-Employee Risk Management (NE) redefines how enterprises secure third-party access by extending identity governance and verification to every external user — contractors, partners, and vendors alike.

Through integrations with trusted verification providers, SailPoint NE enables high-assurance validation of non-employee identities before access is granted. Using biometric-backed digital credentials or verified government IDs, organizations can ensure that the right person and only that person, enters the environment.

Key Capabilities

• Flexible provider integrations: Connect with leading verification partners that align with your compliance and regional standards.
• Configurable acceptance criteria: Define exactly which credentials are trusted — from government IDs to organization-issued digital badges.
• Frictionless user experience: Streamline onboarding for contractors and vendors without sacrificing security assurance.

Business Impact

• Reduce impersonation risk: Validate external identities before access is granted.
• Accelerate onboarding: Eliminate manual verification delays.
• Strengthen compliance posture: Close audit gaps with verified identity proofing.
• Enhance user experience: Deliver a smooth, trusted onboarding journey.

Closing the 2% Gap

“Good enough” isn’t good enough when it comes to identity. A 98% verification rate still leaves your enterprise exposed to material risk, especially at scale.

With SailPoint Non-Employee Risk Management, organizations can achieve the level of assurance needed to confidently enable third-party collaboration while maintaining trust, compliance, and security.

If you’re ready to go beyond “near certainty” and achieve true identity assurance for every user, inside or outside your workforce, SailPoint can help.

Close the 2% gap. Secure your enterprise.