Bottom line: Identity compromises are becoming the dominant attack vector through automation and AI, requiring a reprioritization of security architecture.
Identities are becoming the primary attack target in modern IT environments. As automation and AI deployment increases, the threat potential grows — and with it, the pressure on security leaders to act.
Digital identity is no longer merely an authentication function, but a critical attack surface. While traditional defense measures such as firewalls and network segmentation continue to play their role, attackers are increasingly focusing on identity compromise — because controlling identities enables unrestricted access to systems, data and applications.
The trend is accelerating due to two developments: automation platforms and AI systems depend on identities to execute processes and access resources. At the same time, attackers’ technical capabilities to spoof or hijack identities are increasing — for example through phishing for authentication credentials, lateral movement after initial access, or manipulation of system accounts.
This creates a shift in defense priorities for CISOs: Identity and Access Management (IAM) must be elevated from an operational IT function to a central security architecture. This requires investments in visibility (who has access to what?), control (principle of least privilege), detection (anomalies in identity behavior), and rapid response to compromises.
Source: www.computerweekly.com · Published July 10, 2026
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