How to Compare Identity Security Tools: A Comprehensive Guide
Author: Alex Frankling
Date: 20th August 2024
Introduction
As organisations grow, so does their digital footprint. Digital identities are a key asset to protect against bad actors, and selecting the right tool to safeguard these identities is crucial. Organisations are presented with a plethora of identity security tools in the market, yet the choice can be overwhelming, with each vendor offering different features and capabilities. How do you know which is the best tool for your organisation?
Background and Context
- Challenges in Comparing Identity Tools
Comparing identity security tools is not simply a matter of evaluating feature lists. Organisations must consider factors such as use cases, capabilities, integration with existing systems, scalability, user experience, specific security needs, and, of course, price. Additionally, the evolving nature of cybersecurity means that the chosen identity tool must be adaptable to future challenges.
Solution or Explanation
- Key Criteria for Comparing Identity Security Tools
- Define Your Requirements
The identity tool must fit your particular use cases and requirements, arguably the most critical part of any identity tool selection process. Ask yourself:- What type of access control do we require?
- How do we want to provision access to users?
- Do we need MFA across all applications?
- What type of privileged sessions do we currently run, and may run in the future?
- Feature Comparison
Once your requirements are defined, it’s time to look at feature needs. Do you need access control, identity governance, MFA, SSO, PAM, or just-in-time access? Define the list of essential features and compare these to each vendor. Ensure a vendor offers everything you require or integrates with other identity tools to satisfy your feature requirements. - Security and Compliance
Evaluate the levels of security and compliance these tools offer:- Does the tool provide encryption and strong authentication protocols for data security?
- For audit and reporting, does the tool offer a simple-to-generate audit log?
- In the event of a security incident, how does the tool handle remediation and reporting?
- Scalability and Performance
Will your tool scale to handle your current and future projected user numbers? This is a key consideration often overlooked. Don’t rely solely on the vendor’s answer—do your research. Assess the tool’s performance for speed, reliability, and uptime, especially if choosing a cloud or on-premise solution. - Integration Capabilities
The identity tool you choose must integrate seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, including directories, applications, cloud services, and third-party systems. Evaluate each tool’s compatibility with your technology stack and whether it offers pre-built connectors or APIs for integration. Tools that integrate easily will reduce deployment time and ensure consistent security across systems. - Ease of Deployment
Separate from integration capabilities, consider additional factors in deployment. Ask vendors to let you speak with multiple customers to understand their deployment experiences. Even a feature-rich tool can incur high deployment costs if complex to code, customise, or implement. Additionally, assess the availability of skilled resources for deploying the tool. Without adequate resources or training, a project can face significant delays. - User Experience
Evaluate what day-to-day use of the tool looks like for both users and administrators. Poor user experience can reduce workforce productivity and increase security risks, as users may find workarounds to avoid using the security tool. - Vendor Reputation and Support
The reputation of the identity solution vendor is another essential factor. Research the vendor’s history, customer reviews, and available customer support and training resources. A reliable vendor with strong support can be invaluable in deployment and ongoing maintenance. Speak with implementation partners, third-party reviewers, and analysts like Gartner, Forrester, and KuppingerCole. - Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Accurately determining TCO can be challenging. Consider factors such as licences, implementation, staff salaries, training, upgrades, maintenance, customisation, application onboarding, new feature releases, and support. These ensure the tool provides good value and aligns with your organisation’s budget.
Technical Details
- Implementation Considerations
Successfully implementing an identity solution requires careful planning and attention to several technical aspects:- Data Migration and Integration: Plan for secure migration of existing user data and credentials. Ensure the tool integrates smoothly with your IT infrastructure, including legacy systems and cloud services.
- Phased Rollout: Consider starting with a pilot program in a specific department before expanding organisation-wide, allowing for testing, refinement, and addressing any issues before full deployment.
- Training and Change Management: Provide comprehensive training for administrators and users to ensure effective use of the tool. Implement change management strategies to facilitate user adoption and address any resistance.
- Continuous Monitoring and Updates: Regularly monitor the tool’s performance and update it as needed to address new security threats or regulatory changes.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Best Practices for Comparing and Selecting an Identity Tool
- Conduct a Pilot Test: Before fully committing, conduct a pilot test to evaluate performance, integration, and usability. Use insights from the pilot to make adjustments.
- Involve Key Stakeholders: Engage IT, security, compliance, and business teams early in the process to align with organisational goals.
- Automate Identity Management Processes: Streamline processes such as user provisioning, access reviews, and password resets with automation, reducing the risk of human error.
- Regularly Review and Update Policies: Continuously update identity management policies to adapt to organisational and threat landscape changes. Regular audits help maintain the tool’s effectiveness.
- Considerations for Long-Term Sustainability
Selecting the right identity tool is just the beginning. Establish a governance framework for ongoing management and optimisation of the tool. Regularly review performance, update configurations, and stay informed about new features and best practices from the vendor.
Author Bio
Alex Frankling is an identity security sales leader with extensive experience in identity access management and identity security. He helps organisations enhance their security postures at all stages of their identity journeys. From those who are just about to start their identity journey and are evaluating the best tool for them to organisations who have a mature identity programme and require the latest insight and ongoing support.