What are NHI Risks

NHI Risks refer to the specific security vulnerabilities and potential threats associated with non-human identities (NHIs), also known as machine identities. These risks are distinct from traditional user-focused security concerns because NHIs operate differently than humans. They are often automated, have persistent access, lack direct human oversight, and can operate at machine speed and scale. As organizations increasingly rely on automation, cloud computing, and Agent AI, the risks associated with NHIs are becoming a top cybersecurity priority.

NHI Key factors

• High Privilege Levels: Many NHIs, such as service accounts, cloud workloads, and API keys, require elevated permissions to function, making them attractive targets for attackers.

• Lack of Visibility and Governance: NHIs are often poorly documented, inconsistently managed, and lack the robust governance applied to human users.

• Persistent Access: Unlike humans, NHIs often have standing, 24/7 access to systems and data, providing a persistent attack vector.

• Automation of Attacks: If compromised, an NHI can be used to automate attacks, spreading malware, exfiltrating data, or disrupting operations far faster than a human attacker.

• Difficulty in Detection: Anomalous behavior from an NHI can be harder to detect than unusual human activity, allowing breaches to go unnoticed for longer.

Specific NHI Risks

• Privilege Escalation: Attackers who compromise a low-privilege NHI can use it to gain access to more sensitive systems or data.

• Data Breaches: Compromised NHIs can be used to exfiltrate sensitive data, potentially leading to regulatory fines and reputational damage.

• Denial of Service (DoS): Malicious actors can use compromised NHIs to overload systems or disrupt critical services.

• Lateral Movement: NHIs can be used to move laterally across a network, gaining access to additional resources.

• Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers can target NHIs used in software development or deployment pipelines to inject malicious code.

• AI Agent Manipulation: Compromised Agent AI systems can be manipulated to perform unauthorized actions or leak sensitive information.

ReShield offers solutions to mitigate NHI Risks, including robust Machine Identity Management, Just-in-Time (JIT) Access, and Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM).