With digital access expanding and IT environments growing more complex, identity management has become one of the critical pillars of cybersecurity.
Gartner predicts that by 2026, 70% of cyberattacks will exploit identity weakness as an entry point, reinforcing the importance of specialized solutions to protect this strategic component.
KuppingerCole also reports that the growing number of digital identities — estimated in billions globally — requires advanced technologies for risk mitigation and continuous monitoring.
To put it simply: hackers aren’t breaking in anymore. They’re logging in.
What is ITDR (Identity Threat Detection and Response)?
ITDR (Identity Threat Detection and Response) is a security approach developed to address identity-based attacks. It focuses on detecting and responding to anomalies that may indicate identity compromises.
According to Gartner, ITDR combines IAM (Identity and Access Management) best practices with AI-driven behavioral analysis to catch and contain threats. The migration to the cloud and the popularization of remote work have driven the adoption of this technology as part of security frameworks like "Zero Trust" and least privilege, helping organizations stay in control of identity risks.
What is ISPM (Identity Security Posture Management)?
ISPM (Identity Security Posture Management) takes a different approach. Instead of reacting to attacks as they happen, it works to reduce identity-related risks before they can be exploited. It continuously analyzes credentials, permissions, and configurations to pinpoint security gaps.
ISPM assesses the overall security posture of identities, identifying gaps such as excessive permissions or misconfigurations. According to KuppingerCole, organizations that adopt ISPM can significantly reduce risk exposure by addressing security flaws early.
Why ITDR and ISPM Work Better Together
ITDR and ISPM have distinct focuses, but their technologies complement each other. ITDR provides an essential layer of real-time threat monitoring and response, while ISPM focuses on continuous management and preventing future risks.
Integrating these tools can improve identity security by up to 50%, according to studies by KuppingerCole. This combination offers greater visibility to administrators, enabling informed decision-making and lower recovery costs after incidents.
The Role of PAM and CIEM in Identity Threat Detection and Security Management
- PAM (Privileged Access Management) solutions support ITDR by blocking compromised users and shutting down risky sessions in real time, while also logging information on privileged user behavior.
- Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) solutions help with your ISPM strategy by providing insights into existing risks and recommending ways to correct them.
Conclusion
Cyber threats continue to grow more sophisticated, making identity security more important than ever. Organizations need both real-time threat detection (ITDR) and proactive security measures (ISPM) to stay ahead of attackers.
The adoption of these technologies, as recommended by market leaders like Gartner and KuppingerCole, is essential for organizations to stay protected and avoid costly breaches.
Alfredo Santos is a leader in the Brazilian IAM community, a professor on the subject at FIA, an author of IAM/IAG books and responsible for the IAM Tech Day event. He has 25 years of experience in the IAM subject having worked in important companies and projects, some of them on a global scale. He currently leads global IAM projects that affect groups of companies in the Americas, Asia and Europe.
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