CyberArk reveals centralised authentication for Linux IAM

CyberArk has unveiled its latest offering, Identity Bridge, which aims to enhance identity and access management for Linux systems.

Identity Bridge is designed to provide centralised authentication capabilities for Linux environments, aiming to reduce reliance on older, less secure authentication methods. This development is intended to aid organisations in modernising their Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems while keeping Linux environments in focus.

Linux systems are recognised as critical components of IT infrastructure, making them susceptible targets for cyberattacks, especially those involving identity compromise. Traditionally, managing identity and access on Linux machines necessitates either configuring each system individually or leveraging third-party solutions to link Linux systems with Active Directory (AD) for centralised authentication. As cloud-native architectures become increasingly prevalent, organisations are seeking to upgrade their IAM programmes to incorporate modern, cloud-based directories and advanced authentication methods. Current AD bridging tools, however, often lack the necessary flexibility and robust security features such as strong, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA), including passwordless options.

Identity Bridge seeks to fill this void by offering a centralised, user-friendly solution for managing user access and authentication in Linux environments. It promises to minimise management overhead, enhance visibility, and bolster security measures.

The introduction of Identity Bridge is expected to expedite the modernisation of IAM strategies. It allows seamless integration of Linux systems with both Active Directory (AD) and modern cloud Identity Providers (IdPs).

As stated by Peretz Regev, Chief Product Officer at CyberArk, "Being able to manage user authentication and authorisation across the entire IT infrastructure from a single, centralised location is a must to avoid identities and permissions sprawl, privilege escalation challenges, and excessive management overhead." Regev added, "Identity Bridge is a directory-agnostic, flexible approach to Linux IAM centralisation and modernisation that will mean organisations can reduce access-related cyber risk across their Linux estates with modern authentication and maximal visibility."

Identity Bridge integrates seamlessly with CyberArk's existing cybersecurity tools and services, providing continuous authentication and Just-In-Time access. This functionality augments CyberArk's existing offerings for Linux, and it will enable customers to authenticate via centralised accounts and implement targeted least privilege policies using a unified agent and management console.

Identity Bridge is also designed to work alongside CyberArk Secure Infrastructure Access to improve defence-in-depth strategies, enhancing business resilience against extensive cyberthreats such as ransomware.