Enterprise security teams face new access risks linked to agentic workflows that automate processes across platforms. Traditional identity shortcuts like shared credentials and over-privileged tokens have become critical vulnerabilities. A recent incident with ServiceNow, a popular workflow automation tool, highlighted this risk when an impersonation flaw allowed attackers to control user accounts, including administrative ones. The underlying issue stemmed from insecure assumptions about shared credentials and user identity verification.
To mitigate these risks, enterprises adopting agentic access should implement specific controls:
- Distinct Identities: Ensure agents have unique identities separate from human users for clear accountability.
- Runtime Authorization: Enforce access permissions dynamically, avoiding long-lived credentials to minimize risk.
- Rapid Incident Controls: Employ policy-driven measures to immediately halt agent access in case of suspicious activity.
- Accurate Audit Trails: Maintain detailed records of agent actions to enhance incident response and compliance.
Platforms like Aembit Workload IAM can help enforce these security principles effectively. For more information, visit aembit.io.
