Identity Management Day: Why Protecting Your Digital Identities Should Be a Top Priority for Your Business

April 8th marks Identity Management Day, a global reminder of how important digital identity protection is in today’s connected world.

In an era of escalating cyber threats, identity-related breaches are among the most common – and preventable – risks businesses face. Whether it’s a stolen password, an abused login, or an unmonitored access point, identity is often the first line of defense – and the first thing attackers try to exploit.

Identity Threats Are Real – But Preventable

According to the latest report from the Identity Defined Security Alliance:

• 90% of organizations experienced an identity-related breach in the past year.

• 96% of these breaches could have been prevented or mitigated with the right identity-focused security measures.

In addition, Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report shows that stolen credentials are still the most common way attackers break into systems.

Why it matters:

Your identity management strategy isn’t just an IT issue – it’s critical to the security and resilience of your business.

How Could Identity-Related Breaches Have Been Prevented?

According to industry research, most identity-related data breaches are completely preventable—especially with the right identity and access management strategies in place.

Here are the top ways businesses can reduce identity-based security risks:

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Many breaches occur when attackers exploit single-password systems. MFA adds a second layer of verification—like a mobile prompt or biometric scan—making it much harder for intruders to gain access.

MFA is one of the most effective tools for reducing credential theft and account takeover incidents.

2. Move Toward Passwordless Authentication with FIDO2

Stolen or weak passwords are still a leading cause of data breaches. Devices like OFFPAD+ with FIDO2 support allow businesses to implement secure, passwordless logins that protects against phishing and credential stuffing.

3. Review and Manage Access Rights Regularly

Too many employees have more access than they need. Role-based access control (RBAC) and periodic access reviews help minimize privilege creep and insider threats.

4. Implement Identity Governance and Lifecycle Management

By automating user provisioning and deprovisioning, organizations can reduce the risk of dormant accounts being exploited. Governance ensures consistent identity security policies across the organization.

5. Provide Security Awareness Training

Human error is still a major vulnerability. Training employees to recognize phishing, social engineering, and suspicious login attempts can stop attacks before they start.

6. Monitor User Behavior and Access Patterns

Use User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) tools to detect unusual activity, such as logins at odd hours or from unexpected locations. Behavioral analytics help flag compromised accounts early.

Identity Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility

From small businesses to global enterprises, identity is now the first line of defense in cybersecurity. With the right tools and policies—including MFA, passwordless login, and proactive governance—organizations can stay protected, reduce risk, and stay compliant.

What Is Identity Management—and Why Is It Vital?

Identity and Access Management (IAM) refers to the systems, policies, and tools that ensure the right individuals—and only the right individuals—can access the right resources at the right time.

This includes employees, third-party vendors, applications, and even machines.

Done right, IAM (Identity and Access Management) helps your organization:

• Prevent unauthorized access

• Reduce internal and external threats.

• Comply with data protection regulations.

• Enable secure remote work.

Introducing OFFPAD+ with FIDO2 – Hardware Security You Can Trust

One of the most secure ways to protect identities today is through hardware-based authentication, and OFFPAD+ with FIDO2 is leading the way.

What is it?

OFFPAD+ is a FIDO2-certified hardware authentication device that allows passwordless login and phishing-resistant identity verification. It offers secure login options without the need for a PIN or phone and is passwordless.

Why it matters:

FIDO2 provides a high level of protection against common attacks, such as phishing, credential stuffing, and replay attacks. With OFFPAD+, users can authenticate quickly and securely—no more relying on weak or reused passwords.

For businesses serious about strengthening access control and eliminating password-related vulnerabilities, OFFPAD+ is a powerful, modern solution.

The Mission of Identity Management Day

Identity Management Day, launched in 2021 by the IDSA and the National Cybersecurity Alliance, aims to:

• Raise awareness around identity security best practices.

• Educate businesses and consumers alike on how to protect their digital identities.

• Prevent costly breaches through readily-available, scalable technology.

Best Practices for Better Identity Management

Want to protect your business? Start here:

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

• Enforce Strong, Unique Passwords—or go Passwordless with FIDO2.

• Audit and Review User Access Regularly.

• Use Role-Based Access Control.

• Train Your Team to Spot Phishing Attempts.

• Consider Hardware-Based Authentication Devices like OFFPAD+.

ZBRIQ: Identity Security with a Human Touch

At ZBRIQ, we do more than deliver secure IT solutions—we build trusted partnerships.

We know that every business is different, which is why we tailor our identity and access management services to your unique environment. But beyond tech, we believe in something even more important: people.

We’re here to:

• Understand your business goals.

• Offer real solutions, not just tools.

• Support you with real, human service.

• Empower your team to work safely and confidently.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just cybersecurity experts—we’re people who care deeply about helping you protect what matters most.

Use Identity Management Day to Take Action

Ask yourself:

• Are we using modern authentication like MFA or FIDO2?

• Do we have visibility into who can access what in our systems?

• Are we educating our employees on identity risks?

If the answer isn’t a confident “yes,” you’re not alone—and ZBRIQ is here to help.

Let’s Secure Your Business—Together

Protecting identities is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s essential to your security, your reputation, and your future.

Let’s talk about how ZBRIQ can help implement smart, secure identity management—tailored to your needs, and backed by people who genuinely care.