Identity Threat Detection and Response (Itdr) : The Next Big Thing in Cybersecurity
Identity Threat Detection and Response (Itdr) : The Next Big Thing in Cybersecurity
Yashasvi Sharma :
Cybersecurity, Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chesapeake, United States of America
[email protected]
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International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS),
Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
Abstract: I. INTRODUCTION:
With the increasing sophistication of cyber In today’s increasingly digitized
threats, identity-based attacks have become a environment, cybercriminals are targeting
major concern for organizations. identity related vulnerabilities to gain
Cybercriminals frequently exploit stolen unauthorized access to systems, data, and critical
credentials, privilege escalation, and identity infrastructure. Identity-based attacks, including
spoofing to infiltrate sensitive systems, phishing, credential stuffing, account takeovers
bypassing conventional defenses such as (ATO), and insider threats, have become a
firewalls and antivirus software. Traditional preferred method for cyber adversaries due to
security measures, such as firewalls and their ability to bypass traditional security
antivirus solutions, often fail to detect identity- defenses. Factors like weak passwords,
related threats, as they primarily focus on compromised credentials, and misconfigured
network-based intrusions rather than identity controls further exacerbate these risks,
compromised user identities. Consequently, making it easier for attackers to exploit legitimate
there has been a surge in data breaches, account user identities to infiltrate networks undetected.
takeovers, and insider threats, demanding a
paradigm shift toward identity-centric security. Traditional security solutions, such as
firewalls, endpoint protection, and antivirus
Identity Threat Detection and Response software, primarily focus on detecting external,
(ITDR) is emerging as a critical cybersecurity network-based threats. These attacks often mimic
strategy that proactively identifies, analyzes, and legitimate user behavior, making it difficult for
mitigates identity-based threats in real time. conventional security tools to differentiate
ITDR solutions leverage AI-driven behavioral between authorized access and malicious activity.
analytics, anomaly detection, and automated Moreover, privileged account abuse, lateral
response mechanisms to detect suspicious movement within networks, and unauthorized
activities, credential misuse, and unauthorized privilege escalation pose significant security
privilege escalations before they lead to major challenges that necessitate a proactive, identity-
security incidents. By integrating with existing centric approach to threat detection and
security frameworks such as Zero Trust mitigation.
Architecture (ZTA), Security Information and
Event Management (SIEM), and Identity and Identity Threat Detection and Response
Access Management (IAM) systems, ITDR (ITDR) is emerging as a crucial cybersecurity
enhances an organization's ability to detect, strategy that directly addresses identity-related
prevent, and respond to identity-related threats threats by providing real-time monitoring, risk
effectively. analysis, and automated response mechanisms.
ITDR provides real-time visibility into identity-
This paper explores ITDR’s role in modern related anomalies by combining AI-powered
cybersecurity, detailing its key components, behavioral analytics, continuous monitoring, and
including continuous identity monitoring, risk- adaptive authentication techniques. By
based authentication, and automated integrating with existing security frameworks
remediation. Through real-world case studies, such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), Security
the efficacy of ITDR is demonstrated in Information and Event Management (SIEM), and
mitigating credential misuse, reducing insider Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems,
threats, and reinforcing cybersecurity ITDR strengthens an organization’s security
frameworks. As cyber threats continue to evolve, posture against modern identity threats [2].
ITDR is poised to become a fundamental pillar
in the fight against identity-based cyberattacks, This paper investigates the significance
ensuring greater resilience and protection for of ITDR in cybersecurity, highlighting its key
enterprises in an increasingly digital world [1]. methodologies, components, and real-world
applications. Furthermore, case studies
demonstrate how ITDR enhances cyber
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15381861 ISSN 1947-5500
International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS),
Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
resilience, prevents identity-driven attacks, and access patterns, ITDR can recognize deviations
minimizes the impact of compromised that signal potential identity threats [4].
credentials, ensuring stronger security defenses in
an era of increasing digital threats. Risk-scoring mechanisms play a vital role in
prioritizing security threats. ITDR assigns risk
II. KEY COMPONENTS OF ITDR: scores to each user based on observed behavior.
For example, if an employee typically accesses a
A. Identity Threat Detection limited set of applications but suddenly attempts
Modern AI-powered ITDR solutions to download large volumes of sensitive data,
continuously monitor identity-related activities to ITDR may increase the user’s risk score,
detect anomalies that may indicate unauthorized prompting further investigation or automated
access attempts or identity-based cyber threats. remediation actions.
By leveraging machine learning algorithms and
This approach reduces false positives
AI-driven behavioral analytics, ITDR systems
while ensuring that critical identity threats
analyze login patterns, privilege escalations, and
receive immediate attention. Security teams can
session activities to distinguish between
configure custom thresholds to trigger automated
legitimate users and potential attackers.
security responses when risk scores exceed
A core aspect of identity threat detection lies acceptable levels, such as session termination or
in the ability to recognize behavioral anomalies. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enforcement.
For instance, if a user who typically logs in from Additionally, AI-driven analytics can detect
a specific region suddenly attempts to access emerging attack patterns, helping organizations
corporate systems from an unusual geographic stay ahead of sophisticated identity-based
location, ITDR can flag the activity as suspicious cyberattacks [5.].
and trigger an alert. Similarly, rapid privilege
By integrating behavioral analytics with Zero
escalations—such as an employee suddenly
Trust principles, ITDR ensures that access
gaining administrative privileges without
requests are continuously evaluated based on
approval may indicate an insider threat or a
context and risk levels, preventing unauthorized
compromised account.
access and strengthening identity-centric
Furthermore, ITDR solutions integrate with cybersecurity measures.
enterprise security tools such as Security
C. Automated Incident Response
Information and Event Management (SIEM) and
Security Orchestration, Automation, and One of the most significant advantages of
Response (SOAR) platforms to correlate identity- ITDR is its ability to automate security responses,
based anomalies with broader security threats. By thereby reducing the time it takes to mitigate
combining contextual intelligence with real-time identity-based threats. ITDR solutions integrate
threat monitoring, ITDR enables organizations to with Security Information and Event
identify and neutralize identity-based cyber risks Management (SIEM) and Identity and Access
before they escalate into major security incidents Management (IAM) systems to enforce real-time
[3]. threat mitigation strategies.
B. Behavioral Analytics and Risk Scoring When an identity-based threat is detected,
ITDR can initiate automated response
Traditional cybersecurity measures rely on
mechanisms, including:
static security rules, which limit their
effectiveness in identifying evolving identity- • Account lockouts to prevent
based attack vectors. ITDR overcomes this unauthorized users from accessing
limitation by employing behavioral analytics to sensitive data.
establish baseline activity profiles for users, • Session termination to cut off
devices, and applications. By continuously compromised accounts in real time.
monitoring login frequencies, device usage, and
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International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS),
Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
• Adaptive authentication measures such protection and reduced account takeover risks
as enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication [12].
(MFA) or risk-based step-up
authentication when unusual activity is E. Insider Threat Detection
detected. Insider threats are among the most
challenging cybersecurity risks to detect because
By automating these responses, ITDR they originate from trusted users within an
significantly reduces the dwell time of attackers, organization. Whether due to malicious intent,
preventing credential misuse, data breaches, and negligence, or compromised accounts, insider
insider threats. Additionally, ITDR solutions log threats can result in data theft, privilege abuse,
and analyze all security incidents, providing and regulatory violations. ITDR plays a crucial
security teams with detailed forensics data for role in identifying and mitigating these threats
post-incident investigations [12]. through continuous behavior monitoring and
The integration of ITDR with Security anomaly detection. Key indicators of insider
Orchestration, Automation, and Response threats that ITDR detects include:
(SOAR) platforms enables end-to-end threat
• Excessive data access: Employees
mitigation workflows, ensuring that identity
accessing files, databases, or systems
threats are contained before they can escalate into
outside their job scope may indicate
full-scale breaches.
attempts at data exfiltration.
D. Credential Compromise Prevention • Off-hours logins: If an employee
suddenly starts logging in during unusual
Credential compromise remains one of the hours, it could signal malicious activity
most exploited vectors in cyberattacks. Threat or unauthorized access attempts.
actors leverage credential stuffing attacks, where
• Privilege misuse: Unauthorized
they use leaked username- password
escalation of access rights or the creation
combinations from past breaches to gain
of backdoor admin accounts may
unauthorized access to corporate systems.
indicate insider fraud or account
Databases of leaked credentials available on the
compromise.
dark web often facilitate these attacks. ITDR
• ITDR utilizes AI-driven risk analysis to
solutions provide proactive credential
correlate user behavior with threat
compromise prevention by continuously
indicators, enabling organizations to
monitoring dark web forums, breach databases,
identify insider risks promptly.
and underground marketplaces for stolen
credentials. • By integrating with User and Entity
Behavior Analytics (UEBA) platforms,
When a compromised credential is detected, ITDR can continuously assess risk levels
ITDR can automatically perform several actions. and enforce adaptive security controls
Alert security teams and affected users about the such as real-time monitoring, session
breach. Enforce immediate password resets to tracking, and automated access
prevent unauthorized access. Require MFA for revocation.
high-risk accounts, ensuring that stolen • By detecting and responding to insider
passwords alone cannot be used to compromise threats in real time, ITDR prevents data
systems. Beyond detection, ITDR also enhances breaches, reduces financial losses, and
password hygiene policies by enforcing password enhances regulatory compliance [12].
rotation, preventing the reuse of breached
credentials, and integrating with advanced III. THE ROLE OF AI AND MACHINE
authentication frameworks such as biometric LEARNING IN ITDR:
verification and passwordless authentication. By A. Anomaly Detection Algorithms
leveraging AI-driven threat intelligence, ITDR
enables organizations to stay ahead of credential- One of the most powerful capabilities of
based attacks, thereby ensuring enhanced identity Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR)
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15381861 ISSN 1947-5500
International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS),
Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
is its use of machine learning-driven anomaly device but suddenly attempts access from an
detection algorithms to identify deviations from unfamiliar location, using a new device, and at an
normal identity usage patterns. These algorithms unusual time, ITDR flags this behavior as
analyze vast datasets comprising user login anomalous and prompts further investigation.
patterns, access history, privilege activities, and
device usage to detect subtle indicators of By continuously refining and learning
identity-based attacks. from new data, machine learning models improve
their accuracy over time, minimizing false
Table 1: Benefits of the AI & ML role positives while enhancing the detection of
sophisticated cyber threats. This approach
Category Role of AI & ML Key significantly reduces the risk of account
Benefit takeovers, unauthorized privilege escalations,
s and lateral movement within networks, making it
a critical component of modern cybersecurity
Threat AI analyzes patterns to Proacti strategies [4].
Predictio detect potential IT ve risk
n failures or cyber mitigati B. Predictive Threat Intelligence
threats before they on, ITDR enhances cyber resilience by
occur. reduced incorporating predictive threat intelligence,
downti enabling organizations to foresee and mitigate
me. identity-based threats before they materialize. By
Automate ML-driven systems Faster leveraging big data analytics, historical attack
d execute automated respons patterns, and AI-driven threat correlation, ITDR
Response disaster recovery plans e time, can anticipate potential attack scenarios and
when an issue is reduced recommend proactive security measures.
detected. human For instance, if a rising trend of phishing
error.
attacks targeting specific employee roles is
detected across multiple organizations, ITDR can
Data Ensures alert security teams in advance and implement
Backup busines preventive security measures such as additional
& s authentication layers or access restrictions.
Recovery AI optimizes continui
backup
ty,
scheduling and prioritizes Moreover, ITDR’s predictive capabilities
minimi
critical data for quick enable organizations to prioritize security
restoration. zes data responses based on risk assessments. Instead of
loss. reacting to active threats, security teams can
proactively identify and neutralize attack vectors,
Resource AI allocates Cost reducing response times and preventing breaches.
Optimiza computing resources savings, This predictive approach is crucial for staying
tion efficiently during improv ahead of evolving cyber threats, particularly as
recovery efforts. ed attackers employ advanced tactics like AI-
system generated deepfake credentials or automated
efficien credential stuffing attacks [12].
cy. C. Adaptive Access Controls
Unlike traditional rule-based security Traditional access control mechanisms rely
systems that rely on predefined attack signatures, on static permissions that do not account for real-
anomaly detection algorithms can identify zero- time threat levels. ITDR addresses this limitation
day threats and previously unknown attack through adaptive access controls that
patterns. For instance, if a legitimate user continuously evaluate user behavior, device
typically logs in from a specific location and
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International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS),
Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
context, geolocation, and risk levels to enforce • Identifying fraudulent accounts created
real-time access decisions. using synthetic identities.
• By proactively detecting and mitigating
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is
identity fraud, the bank improved
employed to challenge suspicious login attempts,
customer trust, reduced financial losses,
utilizing step-up authentication mechanisms such
and strengthened regulatory compliance,
as biometric verification or one-time passcodes.
demonstrating ITDR’s effectiveness in
In cases where abnormal activity persists, session
financial cybersecurity [12]
monitoring and access restrictions are enforced.
This real-time adaptive security model ensures B. Case Study 2: ITDR for Enterprise IAM
seamless access for low-risk transactions while Security – Preventing Insider Threats
applying stringent authentication protocols to
high-risk activities. By continuously assessing A multinational corporation managing
risk levels, adaptive access controls effectively sensitive corporate data faced security challenges
prevent unauthorized access without related to privilege misuse and unauthorized
compromising operational efficiency. As such, access escalations. While traditional Identity and
Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Access Management (IAM) solutions control
has become a critical component of modern user permissions, they lacked real-time
cybersecurity frameworks [12]. monitoring of abnormal identity behaviors.
IV. CASE STUDIES AND INDUSTRY To address this gap, the organization
IMPLEMENTATION: integrated ITDR with its IAM system, enabling
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International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security (IJCSIS),
Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
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Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
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Vol. 23, No. 3, May 2025
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AUTHOR’s PROFILE
[3] O. A. Bello and K. Olufemi, “Artificial
intelligence in fraud prevention: Exploring Yashasvi Sharma is a Senior Consultant at
techniques and application challenges and Deloitte & Touche LLP, where she has been
opportunities,” Comput. Sci. IT Res. J., vol. specializing in cybersecurity for nearly 6 years.
5, no. 6, pp. 1505–1520, 2024. With over seven years of professional experience
[4] N. Ghadge, “Enhancing threat detection in across the United States and India, she has
Identity and Access Management (IAM) developed expertise in cybersecurity risk
systems,” Int. J. Sci. Res. Arch., vol. 11, no. management, compliance, and advisory services.
2, pp. 2050–2057, 2024. Yashasvi holds a Master’s in Information
Technology and Management from Illinois
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