PETALING JAYA: AI-powered identity security solutions are becoming a transformative force, providing businesses with a significant competitive advantage in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
SailPoint Asean Managing Director Eric Kong said the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) lies in protecting sensitive data, streamlining operations and improving productivity.
“In our last Horizons report, we found that organizations with mature identity security practices are twice as likely to adopt AI-powered identity solutions. This adoption is not only aimed at ensuring security, but also achieving greater operational efficiency and scalability,” he said. SunBiz.
Kong explained that AI-based identity solutions leverage cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to effectively address identity security challenges.
“AI and ML enable real-time risk assessment, anomaly detection, and automation of complex workflows, such as creating user rights and role descriptions. These advancements make identity management more proactive and less resource intensive,” he said.
One of the most notable benefits of these solutions, Kong noted, is their ability to manage the growing diversity of identities within enterprise ecosystems.
“Businesses now manage not only staff identities, but also non-human identities such as robots, IoT devices and third-party contractors.
“The attack surface is expanding. AI solutions help organizations holistically secure all identity types, ensuring that no weak link is exposed,” he added.
Kong highlighted how AI-powered identity security supports a holistic approach to cybersecurity. In today’s environment, where employees access critical data from anywhere and using any device, identity has become “the new perimeter.”
“Identity security is no longer a standalone function. It must integrate seamlessly with network security, data protection and endpoint security to create a unified framework,” he explained.
Beyond enhanced security, he noted that companies that adopt these technologies often improve the employee experience through simplified access controls and self-service capabilities.
“When security becomes transparent to employees, it not only protects the organization, but also improves productivity and morale,” he said.
Kong acknowledged the challenges of implementing AI-based identity security, such as upfront costs and the need for trained staff. Despite these obstacles, he believes the investment is worth it.
“Cyber insurance premiums are increasingly linked to the robustness of identity security measures.
“Organizations that adopt AI-based solutions are better positioned to negotiate favorable terms and demonstrate resilience,” he noted.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, he expects the role of AI in identity security to continue to grow, with innovations such as generative AI refining these solutions.
“Generative AI is already powering natural language searches and user-friendly interfaces, making complex tasks easier for IT teams,” he said.
Kong highlighted that adopting AI-based identity security is no longer an option for businesses that want to stay competitive in the digital age.
“Cybersecurity is a team sport, and with AI as an integral player, organizations can strengthen their defenses while driving operational excellence. Companies that prioritize these solutions today are likely to dominate the competitive landscape tomorrow,” he said.
