“The right tool for the job” is a concept that applies as much to technology as it does to the physical world. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) can be likened to a hammer—powerful and broad in its application, capable of quickly neutralizing threats by isolating devices or wiping them clean. On the other hand, the Continuous Access Evaluation Profile (CAEP) within the Shared Signals Framework (SSF) acts more like a scalpel—precise, controlled, and capable of making finely-tuned adjustments to access controls in real time.
Let’s explore how integrating XDR with CAEP allows organizations to harness both the power of broad threat detection and the precision of real-time access management, leading to a more effective security posture.
Understanding XDR - The Hammer
XDR stands for Extended Detection and Response. It’s designed to bring together data from across an organization’s security tools into a unified platform. By doing so, XDR provides broad visibility and the ability to detect and respond to threats across multiple environments. Whether it’s detecting a phishing attempt across email platforms or recognizing suspicious activity on a network, XDR is a powerful tool for broad-spectrum threat detection and response.
Where XDR excels is in its ability to take decisive action, such as isolating a compromised device, resetting environments, or even wiping data to prevent further damage. These actions are vital when a quick, forceful response is needed to contain a threat. XDR’s broad approach can fall short, however, when it comes to managing access permissions in real time. In scenarios where more granular control is necessary—such as adjusting user privileges based on specific activities or environmental changes—XDR may not offer the precision required.
For example, if a company policy requires a device be patched to the latest OS version within 15 days, and the device hasn’t been patched, would it make sense to wipe the device clean (your only option when relying on XDR) or simply terminate any sessions from that device and only allow the user to login after they’ve patched their OS?
The Need for Precision in Access Control
There are two aspects to this problem: The permissive environment with standing privileges based on static access control strategies, and the inability of organizations to perform surgical strikes when something goes wrong.
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for precision in access control becomes increasingly clear. Traditional security approaches often leave organizations vulnerable by allowing excessive permissions that aren’t always revoked in a timely manner. This over-permissioning can lead to significant security risks, especially when those permissions are exploited by attackers.
On the other hand, applying drastic measures (especially when automated) can disrupt operations. You wouldn’t want a busy executive to have their device wiped right before an important sales meeting.
What then, can organizations do to provide limited privileges and take precise, yet non disruptive measures when something goes wrong?
CAEP - The Scalpel for Fine-Tuned Access Control
The problem of standing access is effectively handled by products like the SGNL Modern Privilege Identity Management platform, with its zero standing privilege capabilities. The SGNL platform also provides the CAEP Hub, which builds on the OpenID Continuous Access Evaluation Profile (CAEP) and Shared Signals Framework (SSF) to offer such precise remedies when something goes wrong.
Leveraging CAEP, the SGNL CAEP Hub provides real-time adjustments to access controls based on ongoing assessments of user behavior, device status, and other relevant factors. By continuously monitoring these elements, a solution can transmit CAEP events that make precise changes to access permissions, such as modifying the claims in a token, adjusting session parameters, or even revoking access entirely if suspicious activity is detected.
This capability fills the gaps left by XDR, particularly when it comes to managing access dynamically without causing unnecessary disruptions. For example, while XDR might respond to a threat by isolating a device, CAEP could instead revoke access to specific resources for that device or adjust the user’s session to reduce risk without fully disconnecting them from the network. This approach enhances security while also ensuring that legitimate users can continue their work with minimal interruption.
The Future of Access Management and the Role of CAEP
As regulatory pressures increase and cyber threats continue to grow, the importance of CAEP in access management is set to rise. CAEP’s ability to enable real-time, context-aware security will become an essential part of any organization’s security strategy. By integrating CAEP with existing XDR platforms, organizations can create a more refined security posture that combines the broad protection offered by XDR with the precision of CAEP.
SGNL’s CAEP Hub is an example of how this integration can be achieved. By leveraging XDR data, SGNL’s CAEP Hub allows administrators to define fine-grained actions based on the data ingested from XDR, creating a more tailored and effective security response. This integration not only enhances security but also ensures that access controls are managed in a way that aligns with the organization’s specific needs and risk tolerance.
Conclusion
The combination of XDR and CAEP offers the best of both worlds in cybersecurity. While XDR provides the power needed to detect and respond to threats across multiple environments, CAEP adds the precision required to manage access in real time. By integrating these two tools, organizations can achieve a security posture that is both strong and refined, reducing the risk of breaches while maintaining operational efficiency.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for a more precise, context-aware approach to security will only grow. By adopting CAEP as part of a broader XDR strategy, organizations can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that their security measures are not only powerful but also precisely targeted.