Organizations in the Asia Pacific region are facing a serious crisis related to machine identity security, with over 75% experiencing breaches from compromised non-human credentials in the past year, according to CyberArk’s recent report. The rise of machine identities, frequent certificate-related outages, and increasing incidents pose significant threats. Despite many companies claiming to have machine identity programs, most lack proper maturity and cohesive strategies. As AI adoption grows, the need for stronger machine identity authentication becomes vital. Experts suggest implementing a comprehensive machine identity security approach that includes automated management, zero-trust access controls, and monitoring to mitigate risks, especially as cybercriminals increasingly target these vulnerabilities.
Machine Identity Security Fails in Asia Pacific: Urgent Call for Action
Recent research from CyberArk reveals that machine identity security failures are alarmingly high in the Asia Pacific region. Over 75% of organizations have encountered breaches linked to compromised non-human credentials in the past year. This data comes from the “2025 State of Machine Identity Security Report,” highlighting a growing crisis for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).
Mounting Machine Identity Crisis
The report surveyed over 1,200 security leaders across various countries, revealing troubling statistics:
– 78% of APAC organizations reported security breaches caused by compromised machine identities
– The same percentage faced at least one certificate-related outage last year
– 74% of these outages now occur monthly, with 77% reporting weekly incidents
– A staggering 85% predict a 150% increase in machine identities over the next 12 months
These issues are not just technical glitches; they lead to significant business impacts, such as delays in application launches, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and customer outages.
AI Amplifies the Threat Landscape
As companies rush to integrate AI technologies, the challenges surrounding machine identity security become more complex. CyberArk’s findings emphasize that 82% of security leaders see the importance of machine identity security for securing AI systems. Additionally, the same percentage believes that protecting AI models from manipulation necessitates improved machine identity authentication and authorization.
Program Maturity Gaps Persist
Despite excessive concerns about machine identity security, many organizations fall short in their security programs:
– 94% claim they have some sort of machine identity security program, though most lack maturity
– 46% worry about having no cohesive strategy in place
– 42% find it difficult to keep up with shorter machine identity lifecycles
– 38% fear threats from stolen machine identities
Compounding these challenges are organizational silos, where different teams manage machine identity responsibilities.
Bottom Line
This research presents a strong call for CISOs to centralize machine identity governance. As machine identities outnumber human ones, organizations must transition away from traditional identity management. Implementing a complete machine identity security strategy that includes automated certificate management, secret rotation, and zero-trust access controls is crucial.
With emerging threats like quantum computing and the rise of AI agents, addressing machine identity security should be a top priority for all organizations.
Image credit: iStockphoto/tadamichi
Tags: machine identity security, cybersecurity, Asia Pacific, breaches, AI threats
What are machine identity breaches?
Machine identity breaches happen when unauthorized people or programs gain access to machines, servers, or applications. This compromises the system’s security and can lead to data loss or theft.
How common are these breaches in APAC organizations?
Around 78% of organizations in the Asia-Pacific region have experienced machine identity breaches. This shows that it’s a widespread issue affecting many companies.
What can organizations do to prevent these breaches?
To prevent machine identity breaches, organizations should use strong passwords, keep their software updated, and regularly monitor their systems for unusual activity. Implementing strong access controls can also help.
What are the consequences of a machine identity breach?
Consequences can include loss of sensitive data, financial damage, and harm to the company’s reputation. Organizations may also face regulatory penalties and increased operational costs.
How can I tell if my organization has experienced a breach?
Signs of a machine identity breach can include unusual logins, slow system performance, or unexpected changes in data. If you notice any of these, it is best to report it to your IT department immediately for investigation.