Identity-based threats make up more than three-quarters of breaches, making it urgent that organizations mature their Identity and Access Management (IAM) programs. A survey of 625 IT professionals by the Ponemon Institute, sponsored by GuidePoint Security, reveals that most organizations are struggling to reach IAM maturity, largely due to manual processes, underinvestment in IAM technologies, and limited adoption of advanced tools and automation.
Key Findings in the Report:
- Low Confidence in IAM Effectiveness:
Only 50% of respondents rate their IAM tools and investments as effective
- Manual Processes Impede Progress:
A key barrier to IAM maturity is the continued reliance on manual or semi-manual processes
- High Performers Set the Standard:
Only 23% of organizations qualify as “high performers”—those that rate their identity tools and investments as highly effective (9 or 10 out of 10)
- Technology, Expertise, and Resource Gaps:
Lack of appropriate technologies (54%), in-house expertise (52%), and resources (45%) are cited as top challenges to achieving IAM maturity.
- IAM Implementation Misaligned with Security Goals:
Surprisingly, 45% of respondents say the primary driver for IAM investments is to improve user experience—not security.
- Policy and Platform Disconnect:
While most organizations report having policies in place or in development (83%), only 28% have these policies integrated into their IAM platforms.
Download the full report to see how your organization stacks up against others and to learn how your organization can close the IAM maturity gap.
