Facing security risks associated with access management resulting from a complex network of multiple endors, tools, and environments, this large commercial and retail bank had no effective way to manage administrative access, exposing them to potential identity and data breaches. To address these critical issues, the bank’s leadership partnered with Hitachi Solutions to enhance their security posture and implement a comprehensive identity management strategy.
Challenge
With great data comes great responsibility.
In our interconnected, digital world, customer data is extremely valuable and simultaneously, there’s a tremendous responsibility to maintain security and privacy. But maintaining that security is only becoming more and more difficult amid increased cybersecurity threats.
Banks have one of the highest levels of security among critical U.S. industries and some of the most stringent regulatory requirements, according to the American Bankers Association. Regardless, there are
thousands of security breaches annually at financial institutions globally and in 2024, the average cost of a data breach in the financial industry, commonly caused by outdated data management systems, was $6.08 million, according to a report by Statista.
In addition to this bank’s complex network of Active Directory systems aging with time, they were also becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. Initially, their security focus was limited to on-premises
systems, with no effective way to manage administrative access. This limitation posed a substantial risk of identity and data breaches, and their slow internal processes made it difficult to implement necessary security measures promptly.
Solution
To ensure compliance with industry standards and to safeguard their business against threats, the bank turned to Hitachi Solutions for help. Hitachi Solutions worked closely with the bank’s leadership to develop and implement a tailored security and identity management solution and roadmap.
A key element of their solution portfolio was Microsoft Defender, a comprehensive suite of security solutions designed to provide advanced threat protection and security management across various platforms and environments.
The bank understood that within their industry, where data breaches can lead to significant financial loss and reputational damage, the value of Microsoft Defender could not be overstated. The platform’s advanced threat protection ensures potential vulnerabilities are swiftly identified and addressed, while supporting stringent compliance. By leveraging Defender, they didn’t just invest in a solution, they protected the sanctity of their customer relationships by laying a bedrock of security.
Key components of the solution included:
1. Initial Assessment and Proof of Concept
- Collaborated on a detailed security assessment to understand the current environment.
- Implemented Microsoft Defender for Identity to provide real-time visibility into security threats.
2. Hybrid Cloud Security Expansion
- Transitioned the security focus from on-premises to a hybrid cloud environment.
- Implemented overarching security measures around identity management.
3. Deployment and Remediation
- Deployed Microsoft Defender for Identity across production environments.
- Assisted with remediation efforts to address identified security gaps.
4. Future Planning
- Initiated a PoC for Microsoft Purview to enhance data governance and security.
- Developed a roadmap for ongoing security improvements and regulatory compliance.
Benefits
The partnership with Hitachi Solutions led to significant improvements in the bank’s security and identity
management practices:
Enhanced Security Maturity:
- Improved security posture by transitioning to a hybrid cloud approach.
- Enabled quicker detection, assessment, and response to identity threats.
Operational Efficiency:
- Streamlined decision-making processes, reducing the time required to implement security measures.
- Reduced operational inefficiencies through better data integration and centralization.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Strengthened compliance with industry regulations through comprehensive data governance and security measures.
Customer Trust:
- Increased trust with customers by demonstrating a commitment to robust security practices.