How machine identities are reshaping cyber-security

Spence Young at Delinea describes the role of AI in securing the future

 

Digital interactions between machines - such as AI agents, automated systems, APIs, and bots - continue to rise within organisations, with recent data showing that 75% of UK firms across various sectors are using AI, and an additional 10% are planning to adopt AI over the next three years.

 

While the volume of machine-to-machine communication grows, so does the complexity of the security challenges businesses face. For instance, in early 2025, HCRG Care Group experienced a significant data breach when cyber-attackers accessed sensitive data, highlighting the increasing risks associated with AI-driven cyber-threats. This incident underscores the urgency for organisations to adopt stronger cyber-security measures, as advised by governments and regulatory bodies, including the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

 

The increasing prevalence of machine-to-machine communication is reshaping cyber-security, and new vulnerabilities are emerging that require urgent attention.

 

The risks posed by machine identities

Unlike human employees, machine identities often have elevated privileges and access to crucial systems within an organisation. When these credentials are compromised or poorly managed, they can serve as entry points for attackers. API keys, for example, can give cyber-criminals the ability to move laterally across networks, escalate their access, and disrupt operations.

 

A recent study shows that 55% of organisations have already adopted, or are in the process of adopting AI-driven technologies, while 23% are currently evaluating AI-driven tech. However, without securing machine identities, businesses risk exposing themselves to significant threats. The very technology that enables AI-driven identity solutions can help mitigate these risks.

 

Leveraging AI to secure machine identities

AI is uniquely suited to address the challenges associated with managing and securing machine identities. By processing vast amounts of data in real time, AI helps organisations detect and respond to anomalies more efficiently. Whether identifying unusual API requests or flagging suspicious behaviour from privileged accounts, AI accelerates response times to potential security threats.

 

Beyond detection, AI can also automate identity governance and enforce security policies at scale. As the number of machine identities continues to grow, manual monitoring is becoming increasingly impractical. AI helps reduce operational burdens by closing security gaps before they can be exploited.

 

The industry’s focus on identity security

The growing emphasis on AI-driven identity technologies reflects the broader need for enhanced identity security in the face of an increasingly complex cyber-security landscape. Credentials are one of the most common entry points for cyber-attacks, accounting for 25% of data breaches in 2024. Protecting these identities is critical to maintaining business continuity.

 

With the rise of hybrid working environments and multi-cloud infrastructures, organisations are investing more in Identity Access Management (IAM) technologies. Companies must seek to maintain control and visibility over access, especially as employees, contractors, and automated systems connect from various locations.

 

Streamlining identity management

Alongside improving security, businesses are focusing on integration and efficiency. There is a growing demand for identity solutions that work seamlessly across both cloud and on-premises environments. This is demonstrated with one study reporting that identity security spending is on the rise, with 78% of businesses expecting to increase their budgets in the next year.

 

This shift signifies a strategic evolution, with companies recognising that robust identity security is essential to resilience. By addressing security gaps, improving compliance, and fostering trust, strong identity management practices have become critical to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s interconnected world.

 

The future of cyber-security: AI and machine identities

As digital ecosystems become more complex, securing machine identities will be one of the foremost challenges for cyber-security professionals. AI holds the key to addressing this issue, providing enhanced protection and the adaptability required to tackle evolving threats.

 

With AI, businesses can turn identity security from a potential vulnerability into a strategic advantage. The future of cyber-security will depend on how well organisations manage this emerging threat, and AI will play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.

 

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Spence Young is SVP EMEA at Delinea 

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Pogonici