Cerby: Automating Identity Security for the Unmanageable Enterprise

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, enterprises face a growing challenge: securing their vast and complex ecosystems of applications. Traditional security perimeters are becoming increasingly inadequate in the face of cloud adoption, BYOD policies, and the proliferation of nonstandard applications. This is where Cerby, an innovative identity security automation startup, steps in.

Executive Summary

Cerby recently secured $40 million in Series B funding led by DTCP, a testament to the growing market demand for its unique solution. This blog post delves into the intricacies of Cerby’s identity security automation service, exploring its technical underpinnings, real-world use cases, challenges, and future potential.

Background Context

Enterprises often struggle to secure “unmanageable” applications—those that fall outside the traditional security perimeter, lack standardized configurations, or are simply too numerous to manage effectively. These applications, often critical to business operations, become prime targets for attackers. Cerby addresses this challenge by automating identity security processes, providing a robust and scalable solution to protect these vulnerable assets.

Technical Deep Dive

Cerby’s identity security automation service likely leverages a sophisticated suite of technical components:

Identity Management

The platform seamlessly integrates with various identity management systems (IdPs), such as Active Directory, Okta, and Azure AD. This integration provides a unified view of user identities, access permissions, and authentication credentials across the entire enterprise application landscape.

Automation

Cerby’s core strength lies in its automation capabilities. The platform utilizes intelligent workflows to automate critical identity security processes, including:

• User Provisioning and De-provisioning: Automate the creation and deletion of user accounts in applications, ensuring that access is granted or revoked promptly based on changes in employee status or roles.
• Access Management: Automate the assignment and management of access permissions to applications and resources, ensuring that users only have access to the data and functionalities they need to perform their jobs.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA policies across all applications, adding an extra layer of security to protect against unauthorized access.

Security Orchestration

Cerby likely integrates with various security tools and systems through security orchestration, enabling a coordinated and automated security response. This integration allows for:

• Threat Detection and Response: Automate the detection and response to security threats, such as suspicious login attempts or data breaches.
• Incident Management: Streamline incident response processes by automating the collection of evidence, analysis, and remediation steps.

Real-World Use Cases

Cerby’s identity security automation service offers a wide range of practical applications across diverse industries:

Securing Cloud Applications

Cerby helps enterprises secure their cloud applications, which often lack the traditional security controls of on-premises environments. By automating identity management and security policies across cloud applications, Cerby ensures consistent security and compliance.

Protecting Nonstandard Applications

Many critical business applications are nonstandard, making them difficult to manage and secure. Cerby’s platform provides a flexible solution to secure these applications, regardless of their configuration or operating environment.

Challenges and Limitations

While Cerby offers a compelling solution, it also faces certain challenges:

Integration Complexity

Integrating with a wide range of identity management systems and security tools can be complex and time-consuming. Cerby must continue to develop robust integration capabilities to cater to the diverse needs of its customers.

Scalability

As enterprises grow and their application portfolios expand, Cerby’s service must be able to scale effectively to meet the increasing demands of identity security management.

Future Directions

Cerby’s future appears bright, with several exciting directions for growth and innovation:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Cerby may leverage AI and ML to enhance its platform’s capabilities, enabling more intelligent and proactive security measures. AI-powered threat detection, anomaly detection, and automated response can significantly strengthen identity security.

Expansion into New Markets

Cerby has the potential to expand its service into new markets beyond traditional enterprise applications. This could include securing IoT devices, industrial control systems, and other emerging technologies that require robust identity and access management.

Conclusion

Cerby’s identity security automation service represents a significant step forward in protecting the increasingly complex enterprise application landscape. By automating critical identity security processes, Cerby empowers enterprises to secure their valuable assets and mitigate the risks of cyberattacks. The company’s commitment to innovation and its impressive funding round position it well to become a leader in the identity security automation market.

For enterprises seeking to enhance their identity security posture, Cerby offers a compelling solution. By embracing automation and leveraging intelligent technologies, Cerby empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of modern security and protect their most critical assets.