The NHI Risk Library is designed to provide security teams with a comprehensive guide to understanding, managing, and mitigating the most significant risks associated with NHIs. While dozens of potential risks exist related to the security, lifecycle management, access control, storage, and usage of NHIs, this library focuses on the most critical risks that can impact an organization's security posture.
Each risk outlined includes detailed descriptions, explanations of why the risk is critical, and actionable mitigation strategies to help organizations strengthen their defenses against NHI-related threats. While the impact levels described in this library serve as a generic baseline, the actual risk level should always be evaluated within the specific context of your organization.
By leveraging this risk library, organizations can proactively manage NHIs, reduce exposure, and build a more resilient security framework.
Poor lifecycle management leads to stale, expired, or orphaned NHIs, increasing the risk of unauthorized access, credential misuse, and operational inefficiencies.
Active Identity of Departed EmployeeStale IdentityIdentity About to ExpireExcessive or misconfigured permissions and unchecked privileges expose NHIs to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and security breaches.
Overprivileged IdentityExtensive AccessUnmonitored or excessive NHI usage leads to credential sprawl, security gaps, and increased attack surface.
Identity Multi-UsedImproper storage of secrets, API keys, and other NHIs increases the risk of leakage, theft, and compliance violations.
Identity Multi-StoredIdentity Not VaultedIdentity Stored in Password ManagerIdentity Stored in PlaintextFailure to adhere to compliance frameworks results in security risks, regulatory violations, audit failures and financial penalties.
GDPR ViolationUnauthorized CountryClutch addresses over 75 risks across various categories and provides multiple playbooks for actionable mitigation. Explore it in action!
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