Framework: The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Top 18 Controls

Safeguard 5.2 emphasizes consolidating account administration through centralized identity services rather than isolated, system-specific credentials. Fragmented account management increases complexity, weakens control, and introduces inconsistencies in password enforcement and deactivation procedures. By centralizing authentication and authorization through a directory service or Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform, organizations create a single authoritative source for user credentials. This approach simplifies onboarding, offboarding, and privilege reviews while improving visibility into access across all systems. It also enables stronger security measures such as multi-factor authentication, Single Sign-On (SSO), and automated policy enforcement. Centralization does not just reduce administrative overhead—it establishes uniform standards for how identities are created, used, and retired, supporting compliance and reducing the likelihood of account-related breaches.

To operationalize centralized account management, enterprises can integrate systems under a unified directory structure such as Active Directory, Azure AD, or cloud-based IAM frameworks. Automated provisioning tools tie directly into HR workflows, ensuring that accounts are created or disabled promptly when personnel changes occur. Centralization also enhances monitoring—security teams can correlate login events, detect anomalies, and enforce access control policies consistently. Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions can further protect high-value accounts by requiring secure checkout and session recording for administrative use. Regular audits verify that all applications and devices rely on the central authentication authority, eliminating local or unmanaged credentials. The result is a coherent, transparent identity ecosystem where control and accountability replace fragmentation and guesswork. Safeguard 5.2 reinforces the principle that managing fewer, better-controlled identities dramatically strengthens both operational efficiency and organizational defense.
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