Identity infrastructure has become a top target for attackers because it connects everything—users, devices, applications, and data. When they break in, attackers often don’t need to hack further. They just log in.
Still, many organizations don’t treat identity systems with the level of care they deserve. They rely on outdated access models, ignore logging signals, and assume their MFA setup is enough. The truth is, building a secure identity system takes more than a few checkboxes. It requires a clear strategy, consistent controls, and ongoing oversight.
This article will walk you through some practical steps to help you design an identity infrastructure that can stand up to real-world threats.
1. Apply Least Privilege Access from the Start
Every identity should only have the access it needs to do its job. That might sound obvious, but it’s rarely enforced well. Too often, accounts get full access “just in case.” These unnecessary permissions don’t just expand your attack surface—they make it easier for attackers to move laterally once inside.
The goal is to remove standing access and switch to just-in-time permissions whenever possible. For example, an IT admin shouldn’t have permanent rights to production systems. Instead, their access should expire after a task is complete. Several tools can help automate this, but it starts with reviewing who has access to what and why. If you can’t answer that, you already have a problem.
2. Rotate and Watch Your Service Accounts
Service accounts don’t get much attention, but they often have powerful permissions. These accounts run sync tools, manage workloads, and perform automated tasks. The problem is that many have passwords that never change and no real monitoring.
This makes them a prime target. For example, Entra Connect uses a service account to sync on-prem and cloud directories. If this account is compromised, the attacker could access both environments. To reduce risk, rotate these credentials regularly and keep a close eye on how and where they’re used. You can set up alerts for logins from unexpected IPs or applications. Simple steps like these can close off major gaps.
3. Use a Tiered Model for Admin Access
All admin accounts are not equal. Some can reset passwords. Others can control domain controllers or sync cloud identities. A tiered model separates these roles into levels—Tier 0 for the most powerful, Tier 1 for server and app admins, and Tier 2 for everyday support.
This model stops privilege sprawl and helps you contain attacks. For instance, someone with Tier 2 rights shouldn’t be able to touch Tier 0 assets like domain controllers. Keeping accounts and devices in the right tier also helps with monitoring. You’ll know if something’s out of place—like a help desk tool connecting to a Tier 0 system.
4. Strengthen MFA with Smart Access Policies
MFA is important, but it’s not foolproof. If an attacker steals a valid session token, MFA won’t matter. That’s why it’s smart to add context-aware access controls. These policies can check for things like device health, IP location, and sign-in risk.
Let’s say someone logs in from an unknown country on a device that doesn’t meet your security rules. Instead of just prompting MFA, you can block access altogether. Conditional access makes it harder for attackers to get in—even if they have a password. It’s especially useful for sensitive accounts or roles that manage key infrastructure.
5. Lock Down API and Token Use
Identity systems use APIs to connect services and issue access tokens. Attackers know this. They often steal tokens or abuse poorly protected APIs to bypass normal login checks. If you don’t have visibility into how these tools are used, you’re at risk.
Start by reviewing how your apps and services use tokens. Limit how long they last. Require reauthentication for sensitive actions. Also, restrict API access using IP allowlists or scopes. A system that relies on tokens should not give out broad access unless there’s a clear reason. Reducing token lifetime and limiting access are simple steps that block attackers from moving freely.
6. Run Red Team Exercises That Target Identity
Testing your defenses with a red team is one of the best ways to find real weaknesses. But many teams focus on network or endpoint attacks and skip identity systems. That’s a mistake. Modern attackers often begin with a stolen credential or low-level access and then work their way up through identity abuse.
Set up exercises that focus on credential theft, privilege escalation, and sync abuse. You can simulate what would happen if someone gained access to a service account or used tools like token impersonation. These tests can reveal issues your monitoring tools miss. They also help you see how prepared your team really is when identity is the target.
7. Build a Clear Identity Recovery Plan
If your identity systems are compromised, you’ll need a fast and safe way to recover. This doesn’t just mean changing passwords. You may need to rebuild domain controllers, rotate tokens, or restore from clean backups. If you haven’t planned this in advance, it will take too long to respond.
Start with backup domain controllers that are offline and safe. Create clean admin accounts that aren’t exposed to everyday risks. Document the steps needed to bring systems back and remove access from attackers. This plan should be tested like any other disaster recovery process. The faster you can recover your identity, the less damage attackers can do.
8. Teach Teams How Identity Attacks Work
Many users and even IT staff still don’t understand how identity can be exploited. They know phishing is bad, but they don’t realize how attackers can use tokens, service accounts, or sync systems to move through a network. That lack of awareness is a problem.
Offer regular training that focuses on real scenarios. Walk through common identity attacks and show how small mistakes, like clicking a bad link or using a weak password, can lead to major breaches. Keep it short and practical. A 20-minute session on how token theft works is more useful than a long lecture full of buzzwords. Educated teams are harder to fool and quicker to respond.
Your identity infrastructure connects every part of your business. If attackers take control of it, they can reach almost anything else. That’s why designing for breach resilience is so important. It’s not just about stopping threats—it’s about limiting damage and responding fast when things go wrong.
By applying clear access rules, segmenting systems, monitoring activity, and training your team, you build real protection. You don’t need to spend more. You just need to focus on the right risks. In today’s world, your identity system is your first and last line of defense. Make sure it’s ready.
