In the swiftly changing threat landscape of 2026, security leaders face a perplexing challenge: identity management programs are improving, yet risks are escalating. A recent study by the Ponemon Institute reveals that numerous enterprise applications remain disconnected from centralized identity systems, creating a vast and unmanaged attack surface. These ‘dark matter’ applications are being targeted not only by human attackers but also by autonomous AI agents.
The Risk of Disconnected Applications
Despite substantial investments in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Zero Trust frameworks, enterprises struggle with legacy applications, localized accounts, and isolated SaaS solutions. These areas represent significant blind spots in identity security. As AI becomes more integrated into business operations, these gaps transform from compliance concerns into critical vulnerabilities.
AI agents, designed to enhance productivity, often require access to systems outside centralized control. This situation leads to increased credential risks, such as the reuse of outdated tokens, creating unmonitored security paths that remain invisible to security teams.
Upcoming Webinar: 2026 Identity Maturity Briefing
To assist security leaders in addressing this ‘Confidence Gap,’ The Hacker News is organizing a webinar featuring experts Mike Fitzpatrick from the Ponemon Institute and Matt Chiodi, CSO of Cerby. They will share insights from over 600 IT and security professionals and offer actionable strategies to close identity gaps that hinder audits and digital progress.
Participants will gain access to exclusive benchmark data, learn about the ‘Shadow AI’ factor, and understand the pitfalls of manual credential management. The session will also provide practical steps for regaining control over all applications within an organization.
The Importance of Proactive Security
For those leading identity, security, or compliance initiatives, maintaining the status quo is no longer viable. This discussion aims to transition strategies from theoretical maturity to operational effectiveness. Attendees will receive crucial data-driven insights to safeguard their organization’s most vulnerable asset: identity.
Secure your participation in the webinar to fortify your identity strategy against emerging threats. Register now to ensure your organization’s resilience in the face of evolving risks.
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